November 17, 2025

Coffee Tariff Update: Most Producing Countries Exempt

Andrew Blyth
Coffee Trading Operations Manager, Purchase & Sales

As of 11/14/25, future coffee imported into the U.S. is now exempt from import tariffs. Keep reading to learn how this coffee tariff rollback will impact your future orders.

Editor’s Note 11/21/2025: The Trump Administration has rolled back the 40% tariff on specific agricultural goods from Brazil. Here’s what you need to know:

  • On Thursday, November 20th, Brazil was retroactively added to the November 14th executive order that exempted coffee-producing countries from reciprocal tariffs.
  • All coffee that arrived before November 13th has a non-refundable tariff applied. There will be no price adjustments on spot coffee as these prices reflect tariffs that were already paid.
  • Effective November 13th at 12:01am, there are no tariffs on coffee imported to the U.S. Forward coffee prices will reflect the tariff rollback, and future arrivals will also be priced without tariffs.
  • Since this tariff update applies only to future shipments, continue to purchase only what you need for the near future.

Coffee Tariff Rollback

On Friday, November 14th, the industry received positive news regarding the reciprocal tariffs. The White House announced the addition of coffee and tea to Annex II, making coffee once again exempt from tariffs on goods imported to the U.S. While this is hopeful news for future coffee prices, it comes with one important exception: a remaining 40% tariff on all imports from Brazil. This is the same tariff imposed in August 2025 that stemmed from political issues involving the former President of Brazil, Jair Bolsanaro.

coffee tariff chart 11.21

The Brazil Coffee Tariff

Once signed, the Trump Administration’s order went into effect immediately. However, we have yet to see any impact on coffee prices for importers, roasters, and, ultimately, consumers. A remaining 40% tariff on the largest coffee-producing/exporting nation is enough to keep the “C” market high, especially when you consider that Brazil is the #1 supplier of coffee to the U.S. In fact, Brazil actually accounts for 45% of coffee consumed nationally.

Brazil aside, we consider this widespread tariff relief to be helpful news for coffee prices. With all other producing countries becoming tariff-free again (for now, at least), roasters will see relief on forward differentials. That being said, instore domestic inventories will still be impacted by tariffs already incurred. There has been no announcement of any return or refund of tariffs already paid on coffee.

Going Forward

For the moment, we think the gameplan for roasters remains the same: make sure you’re covered through the holidays. Look to purchase only what you’ll need to cover you through new crop for any must-have offering. After that, continue to explore and shop for alternatives to Brazil. Thankfully, there will be more tariff-exempt options in the coming months other than Mexico. Stay tuned—we’ll continue to provide updates on Brazil, tariffs, and the “C” market.

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