US Tariffs Cause 21% Coffee Price Surge, Impact Roasters Nationwide

The rising cost of coffee beans in the U.S. is significantly impacting both roasters and consumers, driven largely by tariffs imposed by the Trump administration. Brazil, the largest coffee supplier to the U.S., faces a 50% tariff, causing many roasters like Jeremy Denny of Beast Master Coffee to shift sourcing to countries with lower tariffs such as Nicaragua. This tariff, combined with climate shocks and transportation costs, has led to retail coffee prices increasing by nearly 21% year-over-year, with average prices for a cup of coffee in cities like Washington, DC, and New York rising accordingly. The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council warns that these tariffs risk Brazil losing its dominant position in the U.S. market, as importers turn to other countries like Mexico, Colombia, and Ethiopia. Local roasters are adopting creative financial strategies, including bulk purchasing and loans, to manage costs, but smaller operators may be forced to raise prices, ultimately hurting consumers. Bipartisan legislation has been introduced to exempt coffee from tariffs, potentially offering relief to the industry and consumers in the near future.