US coffee industry asks Trump to keep tariff exemption on Brazil beans

July 8, 2026 6:08 PM EDT

An employee works at a robusta coffee bean plantation in Sao Gabriel da Palha, Espirito Santo state, Brazil September 23, 2025. REUTERS/Alexandre Meneghini

By Marcelo Teixeira

NEW YORK, ‌July 8 (Reuters) - ​The ​U.S. coffee industry asked the Trump administration on Wednesday to keep Brazilian green coffee exempt from tariffs, during ‌a session of public consultation that is reviewing tariffs on ⁠Brazilian imports.

The National Coffee Association (NCA) also asked the administration to include instant ‌coffee in the list of ‌tariff-free Brazilian products, saying the product is key for the competitiveness of the U.S. coffee industry considering new product offerings ​such as the ready-to-drink coffee cans.

The U.S. government is holding consultations this week related to the Section 301 investigation on ⁠Brazilian trade practices.

The Trump administration could impose a 25% tariff on imports of several Brazilian ​products, alleging the country's practices were unfair on a range of issues from digital trade to illegal deforestation.

"Ensuring ​tariff-free imports of these coffee tariff ‌codes will have significant benefits for the U.S. economy and for the nearly 200 million American adults ⁠who drink coffee each day," said NCA's President William Murray.

Brazil is the world's largest producer and exporter of coffee, and supplies a third ⁠of U.S. needs. The country was hit by a 50% tariff last year ​that caused havoc in the U.S. coffee industry, until Washington decided to include green coffee in a list of exemptions.

Instant coffee remained taxed at 50% ‌until the Supreme Court decision that knocked down most Trump tariffs. The product is currently subject ‌to a 10% global tariff.

Murray said the tariffs have contributed to "highly ⁠visible price inflation on popular ‌products", putting pressure on ​U.S. companies manufacturing ready-to-drink, liquid coffee bases, syrups, and food service mixtures.

(Reporting by Marcelo Teixeira; Editing by ‌David Gregorio)



Serious News for Serious Traders! Try StreetInsider.com Premium Free!

You May Also Be Interested In





Related Categories

Reuters