MrBeast claims tariffs make producing chocolate overseas cheaper
- MrBeast expressed that tariffs on imports have made overseas production cheaper for his chocolate bars.
- The tariffs were implemented recently, prompting MrBeast's shift in manufacturing strategy.
- Industry experts warn that ongoing trade tensions could impact consumer prices in the U.S.
In the United States, YouTube star MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, publicly criticized President Donald Trump’s tariffs, describing them as 'brutal'. He expressed that these tariffs have inadvertently made it cheaper for him to manufacture his Feastables chocolate bars outside of America. MrBeast made his comments shortly before the president's extensive tariffs came into effect. According to MrBeast, the tariffs imposed a 20%+ cost increase that impacted domestic production, leading him to consider international manufacturing more viable. MrBeast began his Feastables snack company in 2022, which is designed in Greenville, North Carolina, but also manufactured in Peru and other U.S. locations. Despite being affected by rising production costs, he pointed out his commitment to ensuring fairness in the supply chain, including paying farmers a living income and using fair trade certified beans. He added that the unexpected increase in costs was tough, reflecting on the broader implications for small businesses in the region. Trump defended the tariffs, highlighting a supposed positive impact on the economy, suggesting that they would revitalize American jobs and businesses by compelling production to occur domestically. Trump's administration publicly declared that increased competition from domestic production would lead to lower consumer prices, emphasizing the tariffs' role in driving economic change. However, critics, including MrBeast and actress Whoopi Goldberg, argued against the logic behind the tariffs. Concerns about retaliatory tariffs from other nations arose, particularly as China announced an increase to its tariffs on U.S. goods. The trade dispute between the U.S. and China escalated significantly, leading to fears of a trade war that could impact global markets and increase prices for American consumers. With the situation developing further, economists warned about potential future price hikes on various consumer goods, which could reshape market dynamics in the coming months.