Update 8/5/25:  For Brazil, certain products are exempt from the new 50% tariff rate. This list notably does not include coffee at this time. Some products exempted include: orange juice, Brazil nuts, iron and steel products, passenger vehicles, and some components for civil aircraft.

Green coffee from countries like Brazil and India could be affected more than others. Brazil, for instance, is listed at a 50% tariff rate under the new structure, and while they have set some exemptions, coffee is not one of them. At this time, some products exempted from tariffs from Brazil include: orange juice, Brazil nuts, iron and steel products, passenger vehicles, and civil aircraft components.

For most of our major coffee origins—Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Kenya, Honduras, and many others—the current 10% tariff is still the baseline unless new guidance says otherwise.

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

We’re keeping a close eye on official updates from U.S. Customs and the USTR (United States Trade Representative) to understand exactly how these changes will be implemented by commodity. Until then, we’re working under the assumption that green coffee will continue to be affected at a minimum of 10%, with risk of increase depending on origin and what “deals” are reached.

There was also news this week during an interview with CNBC where Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick said, “If you grow something and we don’t grow it, that can come in for zero,” during a segment on Squawk Box. “So if we do a deal with a country that grows mangoes or pineapples, then they can come in without a tariff… coffee and cocoa would be other examples of natural resources.” However, there is currently no official documentation confirming this policy or clarifying which countries it would apply to. Until more details are released, the comment remains speculative, but if enacted, it could have a big impact on lowering costs for our industry.

So, What Does This Mean For You?

In the short term, your pricing on most coffees is not expected to change dramatically overnight—but we do anticipate that costs could shift upward for some origins, and we’ll let you know right away if or when that happens. We’re also watching for potential down-stream effects—like increased shipping, packaging, or machinery costs from countries facing higher tariffs on non-coffee goods which could affect differentials.

Our team is working actively behind the scenes to manage this. We’re in constant contact with our logistics partners, exporters, and customs brokers. We’re analyzing how tariffs affect landed costs, re-evaluating inventory needs and selection, and adjusting sourcing plans where it makes sense. Our goal is the same as always: keep great coffee moving, keep sourcing excellent coffees from impactful programs, and keep you in the loop at the earliest moment we know something.

If you have questions about how this might impact specific coffees or upcoming purchases, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your rep. We’ll always tell you what we know, what we don’t know yet, and what we’re doing to adapt.

Thanks for your continued partnership and trust.

— The Cafe Imports Team

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]