Small Business Owners Sound the Alarm on Tariffs, Highlight How Rising Costs Are Hurting Their Operations

MOUNT KISCO, NY — For months now, Hudson Valley small business owners have been dealing with the consequences of newly imposed, costly tariffs, as well as rising costs and general economic uncertainty that is impacting local businesses. 

Recent reporting confirms that New York is facing some of the highest estimated costs in the country because of costly tariffs, impacting small businesses and consumer prices. As a result, Hudson Valley families have spent $5,500 more on goods and services since 2025. Rep. Mike Lawler has repeatedly rejected Congressional efforts to curb tariffs.

Coffee is just one of the goods impacted most by tariffs, with coffee beans costing over $9 per pound. In honor of National Coffee Day, Mimi’s Coffee Shop, Empire State Voices, and community partners met to highlight how new tariffs are impacting their business operations. 

“Because of tariffs, small business owners have to choose between raising our prices for customers or fronting the cost of tariffs out of our pocket just so we can get the items that keep our business running,” said Mimi, owner of Mimi’s Coffee Shop in Mt. Kisco. “No business owner wants to raise prices on their customers, but I can’t afford not to. We need our leaders to work together to find a solution, and soon, because no one will be able to keep up much longer.”

"Conversations like this are crucial for small businesses and the growth of Mount Kisco’s small business district. Federal legislation and Tariffs have increased costs for both our residents and our small business owners," said Heather Bryant, Mount Kisco Trustee. "At a time where we face a bridge closure that is negatively affecting our businesses, we cannot withstand further impediments to economic progress. Costly Tariffs and inflation are the prime driver and have negatively affected this area."

“Everyone is struggling with rising costs, and when Hudson Valley small businesses are forced to raise their prices because of tariffs, fewer people can afford to shop, further hurting business,” said Empire State Voices Senior Organizing Director, Dylan Wheeler. “These tariffs are putting business owners in a lose/lose position, and if we keep down this path, we might lose the small businesses that make our community so special.”

Press interested in speaking with impacted small business owners can contact press@empirestatevoices.org. 

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Empire State Voices is a multi-year campaign dedicated to amplifying the voices of everyday working New Yorkers. We are fighting for economic policies that make life more affordable for constituents and holding members of Congress across the state accountable when they fail to do the same. To learn more about Empire State Voices, contact press@empirestatevoices.org