U.S. Congressional Coffee Caucus Established to Support Coffee Industry, Reports Daily Coffee News from Roast Magazine

The U.S. Congressional Coffee Caucus was launched yesterday by U.S. Representatives Jill Tokuda (D-HI) and William Timmons (R-SC), marking a significant milestone in supporting the coffee industry at a time when it faces challenges due to rising prices caused by U.S. tariffs on foreign goods. The caucus, which has been in the works for several months, aims to unite members of Congress in advocating for the resilience of the global coffee supply chain, highlighting the economic impact of coffee in the U.S., and promoting the perceived health benefits of coffee.

The launch of the Congressional Coffee Caucus comes at a critical time for the coffee industry, particularly for regions like Hawaii and Puerto Rico, where coffee is grown on a commercial scale. These regions account for less than half a percent of the world’s green coffee production, making them heavily reliant on imports of green coffee beans. The recent announcement by President Donald Trump of reciprocal tariffs targeting major coffee-producing countries has added to the economic pressures facing the industry.

In a statement announcing the caucus launch, Representative Tokuda emphasized the importance of coffee as not just a daily ritual but as a vital pillar of the economy, supporting millions of farmers, businesses, and communities across the country. She highlighted the widespread consumption and enjoyment of coffee in every congressional district in the nation, from the coffee fields in Hawaii to the roasteries and manufacturing plants in South Carolina and Vermont.

The National Coffee Association (NCA) of the U.S., a trade group representing many of the country’s largest roasting, trading, and coffee-allied companies, expressed support for the Congressional Coffee Caucus. NCA President and CEO William “Bill” Murray commended the efforts of Congressional leaders in recognizing the significance of coffee in Americans’ daily lives and its substantial economic value in every state and territory.

The inaugural members of the Congressional Coffee Caucus include a bipartisan group of representatives from various states, reflecting the broad support for the coffee industry across party lines. The caucus aims to advocate for policies that support the sustainability and growth of the coffee industry, as well as raise awareness of the importance of coffee in the economy and daily lives of Americans.

In conclusion, the launch of the U.S. Congressional Coffee Caucus represents a significant step in promoting and supporting the coffee industry amidst economic challenges and uncertainties. By bringing together members of Congress from both parties to advocate for the industry’s resilience and economic impact, the caucus aims to ensure the continued growth and prosperity of the coffee sector in the United States.