How U.S. Tariffs Are Affecting Coffee Prices in 2025

Coffee is more than just a daily pick-me-up—it’s a global connection that brings together farmers, importers, roasters, and coffee drinkers. But when U.S. trade policies shift, those changes ripple through the entire specialty coffee supply chain. With new tariffs on imported goods, including green coffee beans, the cost of bringing coffee into the country is rising, and that affects the whole industry.

Since coffee isn’t produced in large quantities within the continental U.S., nearly all the beans we roast and enjoy are imported from Central and South America, Africa, and Asia. Hawaii contributes less than 1% of the nation’s total supply. This means tariffs on coffee imports raise prices before the beans even reach roasters.

Who Feels the Impact of Coffee Tariffs?

Importers
Importers, who source coffee directly from producing countries, see the added costs first. Because most work with slim margins, tariffs reduce how much variety and quality they can offer roasters here in the U.S.

Roasters
For specialty coffee roasters, green coffee is the foundation. When import costs increase, so do roasting expenses. Specialty coffee already reflects premium pricing due to quality and ethical sourcing, so tariffs on coffee add another layer of cost pressure.

Cafés and Coffee Shops
Independent coffee shops and cafés, which already face rising expenses across the board, may have to adjust menu prices to keep up. That means coffee lovers could see small but noticeable increases in the price of brewed coffee and espresso drinks.

Coffee Farmers Worldwide
The effects of tariffs don’t stop at U.S. borders. Farmers who grow and export specialty coffee rely heavily on American buyers. If tariffs cause demand to shrink, those growers may have fewer opportunities to sell their beans, which directly impacts their communities and livelihoods.

Coffee Diversity
A wide range of origins, flavor profiles, and processing styles define the specialty coffee experience. But if roasters are forced to choose beans based on cost rather than uniqueness or quality, the diversity of coffee available in the U.S. could decline.

What This Means for Coffee Drinkers

The impact of tariffs on coffee prices highlights how interconnected the industry really is—from farms thousands of miles away to your morning cup. While challenges are ahead, the coffee community has always adapted with innovation and resilience.

At CoffeeAM, we remain committed to delivering fresh, high-quality coffee while supporting sustainable and ethical partnerships with growers and importers. Tariffs may raise costs, but our promise is to keep your coffee exceptional while protecting the people and communities who make it possible.

Every sip of coffee tells a global story. By understanding how tariffs affect coffee prices, we can all appreciate the effort behind every cup—and help ensure specialty coffee continues to thrive for years to come.