The popular Japanese green tea, matcha, could soon become more expensive in the United States following the implementation of a 15% tariff on imports from Japan, set to take effect on August 1. The measure is part of a broader trade policy introduced by President Donald Trump.

 

Some business owners who run matcha-focused establishments have expressed concern about the potential need to raise their prices. Local shops are already feeling the strain, caught between rising demand, ongoing supply chain challenges, and the added pressure of new import duties.

 

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In various cafés across San Diego, matcha is served in a variety of forms from lattes and iced teas to soft-serve ice cream making it one of the most sought-after items. However, maintaining current prices may soon become unsustainable. Several owners have indicated they intend to keep offering matcha even if it means absorbing higher costs in the short term, noting that they sell hundreds of drinks a week a testament to the beverage’s popularity, especially among younger consumers.

 

 

Still, some businesses have already received notice from suppliers warning of upcoming increases in the cost of matcha ingredients. While most are doing their best to shield customers from those rising prices, many acknowledge that if the trend continues, price adjustments may be unavoidable in the coming days.