National Coffee Association Urges Trump Regime to Keep Tariff Exemptions on Brazilian Green Coffee – CoffeeTalk

The U.S. coffee industry has petitioned the Trump administration to maintain tariff exemptions on Brazilian green coffee imports during a public consultation addressing tariffs on Brazilian goods. The National Coffee Association (NCA) urged the administration to include instant coffee in the tariff-free category, emphasizing that such products are vital for the competitiveness of the U.S. coffee sector, especially in light of emerging offerings like ready-to-drink coffee cans.

This request comes amidst ongoing consultations regarding a Section 301 investigation into Brazilian trade practices. The administration is contemplating a 25% tariff on multiple Brazilian imports due to concerns over unfair practices, including digital trade issues and illegal deforestation. NCA President William Murray highlighted that eliminating tariffs on these coffee imports would positively impact the U.S. economy and benefit nearly 200 million American coffee consumers daily.

Brazil, recognized as the largest global producer and exporter of coffee, fulfills about one-third of U.S. coffee demand. The industry previously suffered under a 50% tariff instituted last year, until an exemption was applied to green coffee. Instant coffee faced a similar 50% tariff until a Supreme Court ruling that largely eliminated Trump-era tariffs; it is now subjected to a 10% global tariff. Murray asserted that the imposed tariffs have led to notable price inflation on popular coffee products, thereby affecting U.S. companies involved in the production of ready-to-drink coffee bases, syrups, and various food service mixtures.

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