The Spice and Tea Exchange in South Anchorage, owned by Liz Eldridge, has found itself in a precarious position due to the evolving landscape of tariffs affecting imports from nearly 60 countries.
Eldridge has been managing her shop for nine years and began preparing for potential tariffs back in January.
By bulking up on the store’s most popular items, including products sourced from countries at high risk for tariffs, such as China, she aimed to cushion the blow of rising prices.
However, the demand for these items surged dramatically, leading to a price increase that was already in motion before any new tariffs were even imposed.
“The price has already been driven up, regardless of what tariff may be imposed on it,” Eldridge stated.
Recently, the store secured a three-month supply of goods that are hard to source elsewhere, helping to limit immediate price hikes for customers.
But as tariffs loom, Eldridge anticipates that prices for impacted items will rise by approximately 45% in May.
She underscores the importance of imports for her business.
“Even if we’re switching from something that’s hit by 80% or 100% tariffs, it’s still 10%, it’s still 20% sometimes,” Eldridge explained.
The Spice and Tea Exchange is not only a unique establishment in Anchorage but also a critical supplier of seasoning blends for over 200 eateries throughout Alaska.
“We’re part of a really great food web here in the middle of Alaska,
image source from：https://alaskapublic.org/programs/alaska-economic-report/2025-04-24/despair-frustration-and-uncertainty-alaska-businesses-contend-with-trump-tariffs
