# #190 - Tariffs 2.0:  Hotpot Queen, Fila Manila & Circle Beverage

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2025-04-07
- Length: 41m
- Episode: 139
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2025-04-07-190-tariffs-2-0-hotpot-queen-fila-manila-circle-beverage
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/18b35467

## Summary

Host Daniel Scharff speaks with Jia Liao of Hotpot Queen, Jake Deleon of Fila Manila, and Matt Whiteside of Circle Beverage about the impact of new tariffs on CPG brands. Jia Liao details how a 54% tariff hike on her China-manufactured Sichuan food products forced her to raise prices and absorb significant costs, while Jake Deleon explains how Fila Manila’s US-based production gives it a competitive edge over imported rivals. Matt Whiteside provides the co-packer’s perspective, noting rising equipment costs and the strategic importance of long-term partnerships amidst supply chain volatility.

## Outline

1. Introduction: Tariffs 2.0 and Guest Overview
2. Jia Liao on Hotpot Queen's 54% Tariff Hit and Pricing Strategy
3. Jake Deleon on Fila Manila's US Manufacturing Advantage
4. Matt Whiteside on Circle Beverage's Supply Chain and Equipment Costs
5. Conclusion: Strategic Partnerships and Future Outlook

## Topics

- [Policy, trade & tariffs](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/policy-trade-and-tariffs)
- [Pricing, margins & unit economics](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pricing-and-unit-economics)
- [Manufacturing partners & offshoring](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/manufacturing-partners)
- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)

## Most relevant to

companies scaling up

## Mentioned

- Hotpot Queen (company)
- Fila Manila (company)
- Circle Beverage (company)
- Expo West (other)
- Mission Chinese (company)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [124: Tariff Talk](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-05-08-124-tariff-talk) (Thoroughly Considered)
- [EMS & The Economist - Chaos-as-a-Strategy and How Tariffs Are Changing Supply Chains (May 25)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-05-28-ems-the-economist-chaos-as-a-strategy-and-how-tariffs-are-changing-supply-chains) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [EMS & The Economist Deep Dive: The Real-World Impact of Tariffs, with IPC Chief Economist Shawn DuBravac](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2024-07-30-ems-the-economist-deep-dive-the-real-world-impact-of-tariffs-with-ipc-chief-econ) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [EMS & The Economist - Tariffs Special - April 13th, 2025](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2025-04-14-ems-the-economist-tariffs-special-april-13th-2025) (EMS@C-LEVEL)
- [Beware of the Overachievers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2025-08-07-beware-of-the-overachievers) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

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