Coffee Bros., a specialty coffee roaster based in the United States, is calling on the federal government to exempt coffee from the newly imposed tariffs. The company has launched a petition titled “Exempt Coffee from Tariffs: Protect American Small Businesses and Preserve Coffee Quality,” which is gaining momentum online as it seeks to protect an industry that supports over 2.2 million American jobs.
The Trump administration recently announced tariffs on coffee imports from 15 of the world’s top 20 coffee-producing countries, including Brazil, Vietnam, India, Colombia, and Indonesia. These countries supply the majority of the raw coffee beans that are roasted and served across the United States, with some origins now facing tariffs of up to 46%. Coffee Bros. founder, Dan Hunnewell, emphasizes that these policies are detrimental to the nature of the coffee industry, as coffee cannot be produced at scale in the United States. Hawaii and Puerto Rico, the only U.S. states that produce coffee, account for less than 1% of what Americans consume, making tariffs unnecessary and harmful.
The situation is further exacerbated by soaring green coffee prices driven by speculation on the C-Market and global climate-related shortages, particularly in Brazil and Vietnam. Green coffee prices have surged by over 100%, putting immense pressure on coffee roasters and specialty cafes across the nation. Additionally, the U.S. coffee sector is still reeling from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many cafes remaining closed and those that have reopened facing challenges such as reduced staff, tight margins, and emotional fatigue.
The implications of these tariffs extend beyond American businesses to coffee producers in origin countries. The potential reduction in U.S. buyers or a shift to cheaper sources could force farmers to redirect their beans to other markets, jeopardizing years of economic progress and partnership.
Coffee Bros. and its supporters are urging the U.S. government to take several steps to address these challenges. These include exempting coffee from tariffs, recognizing coffee as an essential non-manufacturable import, protecting American small businesses, cafes, and coffee workers, and supporting international trade with countries committed to sustainability and quality.
Dan Hunnewell emphasizes the unique nature of the coffee supply chain, stating, “Coffee is not steel. It’s not cars. It’s not something you can reshore to the Midwest. We need trade policies that reflect the reality of our supply chain – not ones that punish those who rely on it.”
In conclusion, the plea from Coffee Bros. and its supporters is for the U.S. government to consider the broader implications of imposing tariffs on coffee and to take action to safeguard the American coffee industry, support small businesses, and uphold the quality and sustainability of the global coffee supply chain.
