The global economic landscape is growing increasingly turbulent. Investors’ retirement accounts are shrinking, powerful financial moguls are openly bickering, beloved gaming companies find themselves at risk, and even wildlife—specifically the penguins residing on remote McDonald Island, untouched by humans—has felt the ripple effects of President Donald Trump’s controversial new tariffs policy.
Now, stepping into this widespread debate unexpectedly is Jimmy Donaldson—better known worldwide as MrBeast, a 26-year-old YouTube sensation and founder of the chocolate company Feastables. Given his immense popularity, particularly among young Americans, any public position he takes inevitably sparks conversation. Recently, MrBeast weighed in on Trump’s tariff plan, shedding unexpected light on the practical realities businesses face in the unfolding economic drama.
In a candid post on social media, MrBeast expressed his concern that the president’s tariffs, meant to incentivize production within America, were paradoxically forcing companies like his to reconsider where to base their manufacturing operations. Specifically, he highlighted the challenge of producing Feastables’ chocolates domestically, given the prohibitive 20%-plus tariff costs imposed on imported cocoa beans and other essential ingredients.
“Ironically because of all the new tariffs it is now way cheaper to make our chocolate bars we sell globally NOT in America because other countries don’t have a 20%+ tariff on our cog,” MrBeast explained.
Currently, Feastables maintains manufacturing facilities in both Peru and the United States, sourcing its cocoa internationally while proudly promoting that it pays farmers a living wage. The company’s website humorously juxtaposes its commitment to ethical sourcing with a bold statement aiming for “worldwide domination,” encapsulating MrBeast’s playful yet ambitious business approach.
But beneath the playful branding lies a serious business dilemma. If Feastables imports cocoa beans, produces chocolate bars in the U.S., and ships these products globally, tariffs increase the company’s costs exorbitantly. Consequently, as MrBeast noted, manufacturing bars intended for international markets in Peru—thus evading U.S. tariffs altogether—is financially wiser. His comments characterized the tariffs as strategically shortsighted, ultimately penalizing businesses that wish to operate from American soil.
“By the way, we pay our farmers a living income, use fair trade certified beans, etc. so I was already spending a lot on cocoa,” MrBeast added. “A random price hike was pretty brutal, not going to lie. We’ll figure it out. I feel for small businesses though; this could really be a nail in the coffin for them.”
MrBeast’s remarks capture a fundamental economic truth familiar to anyone who’s studied global trade: nations have historically exchanged goods because certain commodities simply aren’t available everywhere. Cocoa, for instance, grows in specific climates outside U.S. borders, necessitating imports regardless of the political winds in Washington, D.C.
Ultimately, the entrepreneur’s insights reflect broader concerns within the business community about unintended consequences from sweeping policy shifts. While MrBeast assures that his company will gracefully navigate the new economic conditions, he underscores a vital warning: smaller American businesses, without his substantial resources, might not survive this storm.
