January 14, 2026

Tariff Relief Offers Hope for Louisville’s Abol Cafe

Louisville, Kentucky, January 14, 2026

Louisville’s Abol Cafe is optimistic following the lifting of a 10% tariff on Ethiopian coffee imports, which had been hindering its operations since April 2025. Owner Tar Molla intends to enhance customer outreach and solidify local partnerships in 2026 to boost business. However, uncertainty remains as the U.S. Supreme Court reviews President Trump’s tariff powers, leaving local businesses on edge regarding future planning. Despite recent challenges, Molla believes that tariff relief will positively impact the local coffee industry and community.

Louisville, Kentucky – Tariff Relief Brings Cautious Optimism to Abol Cafe

Louisville’s Abol Cafe is experiencing cautious optimism following the removal of a 10% tariff on Ethiopian coffee imports. The tariff, imposed in April 2025, was lifted in November 2025, providing some relief to the local coffee shop. Owner Tar Molla plans to expand customer outreach and form local partnerships in 2026 to further strengthen the business.

Despite the tariff removal, challenges persist. The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing President Trump’s tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Business leaders express uncertainty, awaiting the court’s ruling to inform strategic planning. Charles Aull, executive director of the Kentucky Chamber Center for Policy and Research, notes that industries are affected differently, and the situation remains fluid.

In response to the tariff impacts, Molla is focusing on diversifying services and collaborating with local businesses to attract more customers. He believes that the tariff relief will benefit local businesses in Louisville, as the price of Ethiopian coffee becomes more manageable.

Overall, while the tariff removal offers some relief, the lingering uncertainty due to the Supreme Court’s review continues to affect business planning and operations in the coffee industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What was the impact of the 10% tariff on Ethiopian coffee imports imposed in April 2025?

The 10% tariff on Ethiopian coffee imports, imposed in April 2025, led to increased costs for coffee importers like Abol Cafe, affecting their pricing and operations. The tariff was lifted in November 2025, providing some relief to the business.

What are the plans of Abol Cafe’s owner, Tar Molla, for 2026?

Tar Molla plans to expand customer outreach and form local partnerships in 2026 to strengthen the business and attract more customers.

How is the U.S. Supreme Court’s review of President Trump’s tariff authority affecting businesses?

The Supreme Court’s review of President Trump’s tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) has created uncertainty for businesses, as they await the court’s ruling to inform strategic planning and operations.

Key Features of the Article

Feature	Description
Tariff Relief	The 10% tariff on Ethiopian coffee imports, imposed in April 2025, was lifted in November 2025, providing relief to Abol Cafe.
Owner’s Plans	Tar Molla plans to expand customer outreach and form local partnerships in 2026 to strengthen the business.
Supreme Court Review	The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing President Trump’s tariff authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), creating uncertainty for businesses awaiting the court’s ruling.
Industry Impact	The tariff relief offers some benefit, but lingering uncertainty continues to affect business planning and operations in the coffee industry.