Dominique Nguyen (left) and Jeren Calinisan (right), both passionate fans of boba tea, shared their concerns about the recent tariff announcements which could significantly impact the prices of their beloved beverage. Boba tea, a delightful Taiwanese drink known for its chewy tapioca pearls, has become a staple for many across the United States.

During a visit to Odd One Out, a popular tea shop located in Pasadena, California, the duo discussed the potential financial burden imposed by tariffs. $8 already is the most I've ever paid for a boba drink, remarked Nguyen as she enjoyed her champion milk tea topped with jasmine silk boba. This particular encounter occurred in mid-April, just weeks after President Donald Trump announced a hefty 32% tariff on imports from Taiwan, a decision that was later paused for an initial 90 days. In addition to the Taiwanese tariffs, ongoing tariffs on China, another critical supplier for boba-related ingredients, have created an air of uncertainty for tea shops and consumers alike.

Calinisan, 29, voiced similar concerns about the rising costs. As someone who drinks boba frequently, its already kind of expensive living here in Los Angeles to get boba. So this is a new worry, he said. Both friends share a common cultural connection to boba, having grown up in the Bay Area where indulging in this sweet treat was a cherished pastime.

The popularity of boba tea has surged in the United States over the years, with major chains like Starbucks and Jack in the Box capitalizing on the trend. In fact, the United States imported a staggering 38 million pounds of tapioca from Taiwan in 2024, representing an astonishing 927% increase since 2004, according to the United States International Trade Commission.

With tariffs looming, Odd One Out is proactively stockpiling ingredients to mitigate the impact on its operations. Co-founder Patrick Sun expressed his commitment to maintaining product quality, stating, Were probably going to try to stockpile as much as we can, as the majority of their botanical ingredients are sourced from Taiwan. Finding equivalent ingredients in the US is quite challenging, and we are not willing to compromise on quality. Therefore, this will inevitably affect our bottom line.

Bobas unique texture is derived from tapioca starch, which is harvested from cassava plants predominantly cultivated in Southeast Asia. David Fan, a co-founder of the US Boba Company, which supplies boba to over 2,000 stores nationwide, explained that cassava is not widely cultivated within the United States, making their operations reliant on imports.

In addition to the tapioca, several other components essential for boba teasuch as specialized machinery, tea leaves, and even unique drinkwareare also at risk of being affected by tariffs. Fan elaborated, The cups we use are not typically made in the US, as they are designed with specific dimensions and require wide straws to accommodate the tapioca pearls. He further predicted that the overall costs could rise by 20% to 30% due to the impending tariffs.

Currently, a pound of boba provided by the US Boba Company yields 10 servings and retails for $11.99. With the imposition of tariffs, Fan cautioned that consumer prices could increase by as much as a dollar per drink. Meanwhile, Sun pointed out that although he anticipates an 8% to 15% rise in the cost of goods, he is reluctant to hike prices immediately, forecasting a potential 5% dip in overall profits instead.

CoCo Bubble Tea, a well-known franchise boasting thousands of locations globally, has taken proactive measures by stocking up on three months worth of inventory. Kody Wong, the companys director of business development, revealed that they do not foresee raising prices in the short term, provided that tariffs are enacted. However, he hinted that menu adjustments might be necessary in the future as they seek local alternatives for ingredients.

Before the tariff discussions began, CoCo Bubble Tea had also been implementing kiosks to streamline their operations and reduce labor costs. Nevertheless, Fan expressed skepticism about maintaining current pricing in the long term. No one is going to be able to just absorb the costs indefinitely, he stated. Business owners are ultimately going to need to ensure profitability.

Just a short distance from Odd One Out, Julianna Martinez and her co-worker were relishing their own boba drinks at a nearby arcade caf. Martinez shared her worries about the rising prices, remarking, I remember when boba used to cost an extra 50 cents. Now, I find myself skipping the tapioca toppings to save on costs.

As inflation continues to reshape consumer spending habits, Calinisan, while reluctant to give up his favorite drink entirely, acknowledged he might need to reduce his visits if prices escalate. Theres also the fact that I cant make boba myself, he admitted. Thats another reason why Im willing to spend so much.

For those affected by these potential changes, insights into how tariffs might alter everyday life are welcomed. Anyone with a personal story to share is encouraged to reach out to the reporter at jdeng@businessinsider.com.