On the eighth day of Whatley’s Christmas Costs, the price of holiday drinks like coffee and wine soared because of DC insider Michael Whatley’s reckless trade war.

Whatley has called tariffs “record setting in terms of […] effectiveness” and said he supports them “wholeheartedly.”

WLOS: North Carolina coffee roaster cites tariffs, other setbacks for price increase

• A coffee roaster in western North Carolina says he’s had to raise prices due to tariffs imposed by the Trump administration and other challenges facing the local industry.
• Kevin Duckett, the owner of Smoky Mountain Coffee Roasters on Hazelwood Avenue, says he’s been in business for nearly 30 years. He said he recently had to raise the price of coffee per pound for the fifth time in his career, but he’s keeping the business’s signature $1 cup of coffee as a show of appreciation for customers. 
• “We’re trying to keep our costs down as best we can,” he said.

WECT: Tariffs on imported wine could impact local stores in Southeastern North Carolina

• Market House Beer and Wine has seen bottle sales increase significantly this week, according to their general manager. The increase in sales is happening at the same time the store is receiving notices from distributors warning of price increases in the new year.
• “We’ve gotten a lot of notices from our distributors that it will increase in the new year more than right now,” general manager Sydney Shopp said. “It is definitely something that we’re not super excited for. Some of the wines are going up by like 20% which is a lot.”
• The store has not raised prices yet, as their distributors are taking on the costs currently. However, Shopp expects customers may face increases of a dollar or two on favorite bottles in the new year.

“North Carolinians enjoying a warm cup of coffee or a glass of wine this holiday season can thank Michael Whatley’s tariffs for the skyrocketing price,” said Mallory Payne, senior communications advisor for the North Carolina Democratic Party. “Whatley cares more about his own loyalty to DC politicians than making life more affordable for North Carolina families.”

###