Tariff Uncertainty: What’s Changed and What Hasn’t

Posted on July 10th, 2025

Updated 7/10/25.

The information below is subject to change. We will update this blog as we receive information that impacts coffee commerce.

Please reach out to us if you want to discuss this further. We’re here to navigate any and every challenge with you.

What We Know

Historically, US government policy has been communicated clearly and in advance of coming into force. As we have all discovered in 2025, this is not the case when it comes to tariffs. It seems that every day we, in the coffee industry, are whipsawed by tariff announcements that threaten to upend coffee supply chains.

Today, it seems that Brazil is the target du jour. We, like everyone else, don’t know what will happen in the coming days and weeks, but we wanted to provide a quick update on where things stand as of now, as they relate to the coffee world.

Where Things Stand

  • Baseline tariff of 10% in effect as of now for all countries except Mexico.
  • Country-specific reciprocal tariffs that were announced in April are officially delayed until August 1. List included below for reference.
  • Vietnam has supposedly reached a trade deal which will result in a 20% tariff; there are currently no details on this deal that are publicly available.
  • Yesterday, Brazil was threatened with a 50% tariff on all imports starting August 1. This situation is rapidly changing; its anyone’s guess as to what happens here.

Current Tariffs by Country

 

Updated 7/10/25. The crossed-out rates show the initial proposed tariffs from April 2025. These have been delayed to take effect on August 1, 2025. We will continue to update this as we receive new information.

Table includes current tariffs impacting coffee from origins we purchased over the past year. This does not include all countries where coffee is produced.

Country New Tariff %
Bolivia 10%
Brazil 10% (50% possible Aug 1)
Burundi 10%
Colombia 10%
Costa Rica 10%
Democratic Republic of Congo 11% 10% (11% possible Aug 1)
Ecuador 10%
El Salvador 10%
Ethiopia 10%
Guatemala 10%
Honduras 10%
Country New Tariff %
India 26% 10% (26% possible Aug 1)
Indonesia 32% 10% (32% possible Aug 1)
Jamaica 10%
Kenya 10%
Nicaragua 18% 10% (18% possible Aug 1)
Papua New Guinea 10%
Peru 10%
Rwanda 10%
Tanzania 10%
Uganda 10%
Vietnam 46% 10% (20% Aug 1 maybe?)
Yemen 10%
Country New Tariff %
Bolivia 10%
Brazil 10% (50% possible Aug 1)
Burundi 10%
Colombia 10%
Costa Rica 10%
Democratic Republic of Congo 11% 10% (11% possible Aug 1)
Ecuador 10%
El Salvador 10%
Ethiopia 10%
Guatemala 10%
Honduras 10%
India 26% 10% (26% possible Aug 1)
Indonesia 32% 10% (32% possible Aug 1)
Jamaica 10%
Kenya 10%
Nicaragua 18% 10% (18% possible Aug 1)
Papua New Guinea 10%
Peru 10%
Rwanda 10%
Tanzania 10%
Uganda 10%
Vietnam 46% 10% (20% Aug 1 maybe?)
Yemen 10%

*Mexican goods are tariff-exempt if the goods are USMCA-compliant.

In Conclusion

With over 30 years of experience in the coffee industry, we are committed to continuing to work with you every day to find the right coffees for your business. Be assured, now more than ever, we’re working to keep prices updated, reflecting the current government-required tariff rate, both increases and decreases, and most importantly, just try to share what we know when we know it.

One thing we have learned is that every client of ours is unique, but all care deeply about the future of specialty coffee. We are here to help brainstorm with you on how to navigate these particularly chaotic and uncertain times for your business. If you have concerns, questions, or want to talk more about your specific needs, please reach out to your salesperson.

What Can You Do?

  • Write your representatives and voice your concerns. We have a sample letter you can edit and send below.
  • Prepare your business, customers, and partners for further price increases.
  • Collaborate within the industry. Chat with fellow roasters and encourage them to take action as well.
  • Call us to chat about your sourcing strategy in this new landscape.

Sample Letter to Your Representatives

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]

The Honorable [Congressperson’s Name]
[Office Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

 

Subject: Urgent Request to Remove Tariffs on Key Coffee Trade Partners

Dear Representative [Last Name],

I am writing to urge immediate action to remove the tariffs recently imposed on essential U.S. trading partners as announced on April 2, 2025.

While trade equity is crucial, these tariffs are especially damaging to the global coffee industry, which relies heavily on trusted partnerships between growers, exporters, importers, roasters, and American consumers.

Given the unprecedented challenges already faced in 2024 and 2025, allowing these tariffs to persist will significantly harm the entire coffee supply chain and threaten the industry’s near and long-term sustainability.

As a [business owner/roaster/importer/consumer], I have directly experienced the consequences of these tariffs:

  • Increased import costs, making competitive operations increasingly difficult.
  • Supply chain disruptions, impacting reliable access to quality raw materials.
  • Higher costs for American consumers, who must now pay elevated prices for essential goods.
  • Risk of retaliatory tariffs, jeopardizing U.S. exports and further destabilizing trade.

By imposing these tariffs on longstanding allies and critical trade partners, we risk economic instability and weaken essential relationships supporting American businesses. Far from empowering domestic industry, these tariffs act as a hidden tax on consumers and businesses alike.

Therefore, I respectfully urge you to:

  1. Immediately repeal tariffs on key coffee trade partners, safeguarding continued access to essential everyday goods.
  2. Advocate for equitable and cooperative trade policies, avoiding punitive tariffs that negatively impact the American economy.
  3. Support legislation protecting the coffee industry, preventing economic disruption and job losses in our industry.

Thank you for your consideration of this critical matter. I look forward to your response and to learning about your efforts to repeal these harmful tariffs.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Business/Organization (if applicable)]
[Your Contact Information]