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September 22.2025

2 Minutes Read

Shea Nut Embargo Creates Supply Shock for Brooklyn Businesses and Consumers

Close-up of raw shea nuts highlighting natural textures.

Shea Nut Embargo: A Ripple Effect on Small Brooklyn Businesses

The recent embargo on shea nuts, announced by countries including Nigeria, has sent shockwaves through small businesses in Brooklyn that rely on this vital ingredient. From beauty products to health remedies, shea butter holds a significant place in the hearts of many, particularly within the Black community. As Imani-Ligon Chambers succinctly puts it, learning to manage her frizzy, curly hair has always been a challenge, and for her, shea nut products are nothing less than a lifeline.

Understanding the Source: The Shea Belt

The Shea Belt, a geographical region that stretches from Senegal to Sudan, is the cradle of shea nut production. Nations like Mali and Ghana are noted for producing high-quality organic shea butter, which is widely used in various cosmetic and hair care products. Unfortunately, with the recent trade embargoes, the supply of these nuts, essential for creating shea butter, is dwindling.

The Impact on Consumers

Chambers highlights a key issue: "Shea butter is also expensive.” As prices rise due to supply shocks, everyday consumers, especially those in communities of color, may struggle to access products they rely on for personal care. The socio-economic dimensions of this embargo cannot be understated; the burden is likely to rest heavily on those who can least afford it.

Small Businesses in Brooklyn Face Challenges

As noted by Brooklyn-based apothecaries like Brooklyn Herborium, navigating the implications of this embargo is fraught with difficulty. Owners are struggling to secure ethically sourced shea nuts amid rising global prices exacerbated by limited substitutes. The embargo draws forth a complex problem that stretches beyond the borders of Africa and into the very fabric of Brooklyn’s beauty economy.

Looking Forward: Strategies for Adaptation

As this crisis unfolds, small businesses must adapt swiftly to survive. It's imperative for entrepreneurs in Brooklyn to diversify their supply chains and seek alternative ingredients to mitigate the impact of decreased shea nut availability. This scenario also invites customers to voice support for local businesses by exploring alternative products while advocating for a fair trade model that could alleviate the burden on shea producers.

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Shea Nut Embargo Creates Supply Shock for Brooklyn Businesses and Consumers

Shea Nut Embargo: A Ripple Effect on Small Brooklyn Businesses

Understanding the Source: The Shea Belt

The Impact on Consumers

Small Businesses in Brooklyn Face Challenges

Looking Forward: Strategies for Adaptation

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