U.S. Coffee Prices Jump 41% as Lawmakers Introduce Bill to Repeal Tariffs

U.S. coffee prices have seen a significant surge, with the average price of ground coffee reaching $9.14 per pound in September 2025, marking a 41% increase from September 2024. This sharp rise has prompted legislative action, with Representatives Ro Khanna and Don Bacon announcing a bipartisan effort to repeal existing coffee tariffs in a bid to alleviate financial pressure on American households.

The substantial price hike is reflected in market data, with Representative Khanna noting in a recent tweet that "Coffee is up 35.9% this year," citing futures prices of $9.139 for September 2025 compared to $6.740 for September 2024. This increase has been a consistent trend, with global coffee prices hovering near multi-year highs throughout 2024 and 2025.

A key factor contributing to these elevated costs is the imposition of tariffs. The Trump administration previously levied a 40% tariff on Brazilian coffee products, in addition to an earlier 10% duty. Tariffs also affect other major coffee suppliers, including a 10% tariff on Colombian coffee and a 20% tariff on Vietnamese coffee, according to market analysis. These import duties are passed down the supply chain, ultimately impacting consumer prices.

Beyond tariffs, adverse weather conditions in major coffee-producing regions have severely impacted global supply. Brazil, the world's top coffee producer, has experienced severe droughts, while Vietnam, the second-largest supplier, faced droughts followed by heavy rainstorms, leading to reduced crop yields. These supply-side disruptions, coupled with increased demand, have driven commodity prices higher.

In response to these rising costs, Representatives Khanna and Bacon have introduced legislation aimed at repealing the coffee tariffs. Representative Khanna emphasized their motivation, stating in his tweet, "> We want lower costs for families." The bipartisan bill seeks to remove these additional import costs, hoping to translate into more affordable coffee for consumers nationwide.

The ongoing volatility in the coffee market, driven by both geopolitical factors like tariffs and environmental challenges, continues to pose significant challenges for roasters, distributors, and consumers. The proposed tariff repeal represents a direct effort to mitigate one of the identifiable cost drivers affecting a widely consumed commodity.