When considering the impact of global tariff wars, YouTube star MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) might not come to mind—but his chocolate business, Feastables, is feeling the effects. Though based in the U.S., the company relies on imported cocoa, now subject to tariffs.
Ironically, MrBeast claims it’s now cheaper to produce his chocolate bars outside the U.S. due to these tariffs. “We’ll figure it out, but this could be devastating for small businesses,” he posted on X. His criticism is significant—not only as a real-world example of unintended policy consequences but also as a high-profile challenge to Trump’s tariff strategy.
What Are Tariffs, and Why Is Trump Imposing Them?
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods, calculated as a percentage of their value (e.g., 25% on a $10 product adds $2.50). Trump argues they’ll boost U.S. manufacturing, increase tax revenue, and spur investment. However, critics warn they could harm the global economy and raise prices for consumers worldwide.
MrBeast’s stance highlights how these policies may backfire, particularly for small businesses already struggling with rising costs.
