1. United States
2. Mich.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge your support in removing all tariffs on cocoa and cocoa products, which are critical inputs for the U.S. chocolate industry. These tariffs place an unnecessary burden on American manufacturers, small businesses, and consumers. Cocoa is not grown in the United States in commercial quantities and must be imported to meet domestic demand. Tariffs on cocoa and its derivative products serve no protective purpose for American agriculture. These tariffs function instead as a tax on American businesses, workers, and families—raising costs, creating uncertainty, and weakening a globally interconnected supply chain that is vital to the chocolate industry and to the delight of American families. Whether you run a business or buy groceries, these tariffs mean the following: • Increased import costs, which strain liquidity for a sector already facing the highest costs in 50 years and which limit the ability of American chocolate producers to compete. • Supply chain disruption, making it harder to secure consistent access to high-quality cocoa and cocoa products. • Higher prices for consumers, who already face rising costs for everyday goods. • Potential trade retaliation, which can further destabilize this critical American industry and harm related sectors. The U.S. chocolate industry—from craft makers to major manufacturers—relies on stable, tariff-free access to cocoa in order to innovate, grow, and support jobs across the country. Tariffs only introduce friction, expense, and inefficiency into a system that should be streamlined for success. I respectfully urge you to: • Support the permanent removal of tariffs on cocoa and cocoa products. • Promote fair and forward-looking trade policies that strengthen—not hinder—critical U.S. industries. • Protect the American chocolate industry from harmful cost increases and trade instability.

 Thank you for your attention to this issue and for your service. I look forward to your response and to learning more about your efforts to support this essential and iconic American industry.