☕ Tariffs Are Brewing Trouble for Your Morning Cup

If you thought your coffee habit was already expensive, brace yourself—tariffs are about to make it even pricier. President Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on all goods from Brazil, including coffee, has sent shockwaves through the U.S. coffee industry. And yes, that means your daily brew could soon cost more than just a few bucks.

🌍 Why Brazil Matters

Brazil isn’t just another coffee exporter—it’s the world’s largest producer and supplies about 30% of the coffee consumed in the United States. From big-name chains to your favorite local roaster, Brazilian beans are the backbone of countless blends. The country’s favorable climate, large-scale production, and consistent quality make it irreplaceable in the global coffee supply chain.

💸 What Tariffs Mean for Coffee Prices

According to NPR’s recent report, the 50% tariff—set to take effect August 1—will likely be passed down the supply chain, hitting importers, roasters, and ultimately, consumers. Small roasters like Lost Sock Roasters in Washington, D.C., are already feeling the pressure. Co-founder Jeff Yerxa warns that coffee costs could rise by 30%, forcing businesses to either absorb the hit or raise prices.

And it’s not just Brazil. Tariffs are also looming over other coffee-producing countries like Vietnam, Colombia, and Ethiopia, which means alternative sourcing won’t be much cheaper.

🛍️ How It Hits You

If you buy coffee at the grocery store, expect to feel the pinch sooner. Retailers typically stockpile beans, but once those reserves run dry, price hikes will trickle down fast. Cafés may hold off a bit longer due to bulk purchasing contracts, but eventually, your latte will reflect the new reality.

Even if you brew at home, the average price of ground coffee has already climbed to $8.13 per pound, up more than $1 since the start of the year. With tariffs in play, that number could climb even higher.

🤔 Why It’s Political

The tariffs aren’t just economic—they’re political. Trump has tied the move to Brazil’s prosecution of former President Jair Bolsonaro, calling it a “witch hunt” and using trade policy as leverage. But for coffee drinkers and small businesses, the motivation matters less than the impact.

☕ The Bottom Line

Coffee isn’t just a beverage—it’s a ritual, a comfort, and for many, a necessity. These tariffs may be aimed at foreign policy, but they’ll land squarely on the shoulders of American consumers. As Yerxa puts it, “It’s a tax on Americans’ mornings.”