Coffee Prices Surge Nationwide Driven by Tariffs and Supply Challenges

Coffee prices in the United States have risen significantly over the past year, driven by factors such as inflation, the Trump administration's import tariffs, and global supply disruptions including extreme weather affecting key coffee-producing countries. The median price of a regular hot coffee nationwide increased by about 2.9%, with states like South Carolina, Nevada, and Florida seeing the highest jumps, while prices in California and Hawai'i remain among the highest in the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported a 20.9% year-over-year increase in coffee prices in August 2025, highlighting the substantial impact on consumers. Tariffs imposed on coffee imports, especially from Brazil and Vietnam—major coffee exporters—have compounded supply challenges, contributing to price surges. Some cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles have median coffee prices nearing $5, and cold brew prices have also climbed notably. The Trump administration has indicated a willingness to consider lowering tariffs depending on international negotiations, which could influence future coffee prices.