Abington’s Chapman Brewing Equipment has been a go-to source for homebrewers and small businesses, but a sudden 145% tariff on Chinese imports threatens to undo a decade of hard work and growth, writes Chris Ullery for the Bucks County Courier Times.
Chapman’s stainless steel fermenters are manufactured in China, where founder Steve Schnarr developed strong relationships with factory partners. His latest shipment—already paid for—sits overseas, stalled by the tariff hike.
Schnarr has explored other manufacturing options, including Germany and India, but either the costs are too high or the quality doesn’t meet his standards. A return to U.S. manufacturing isn’t viable due to lack of domestic capabilities for his product type.
Though recent remarks from President Trump hinted that tariff levels could be reduced, Schnarr says many businesses like his are stuck in limbo. “Most people don’t realize that even if the tariffs went to zero today, we are still in for a supply shock,” he said.
For now, Schnarr is taking landscaping and side work to stay afloat, hoping his business survives long enough for relief to arrive. “This was supposed to be something bigger,” he said. “Now it might not be anything at all.”
Read more about Steve Schnarr and his fight to keep Chapman Brewing Equipment above water amidst the tariffs in Bucks County Courier Times.
