US rolls back extra duties on Brazilian coffee imports
Dubai – Qahwa World
The administration in Washington has moved to ease trade pressure on Brazil by withdrawing an additional 40% duty that had been placed on a range of Brazilian food products, including coffee. The decision, issued through an Executive Order dated 20 November 2025, applies to goods entering the US on or after 13 November 2025. The baseline 10% tariff introduced earlier in the year remains active.
Brazil supplies a significant share of the green coffee used by the US market. When the combined import levy reached 50%, shipments between the two countries were severely disrupted. Industry data shared in August 2025 indicated a sharp drop in US purchases of Brazilian coffee during the month the extra charge took effect. Many US roasters faced higher operating costs, and retail coffee prices rose noticeably as companies redirected sourcing to alternative suppliers. Warehouses in Brazil also experienced delays as trading activity slowed.
Representatives of Brazil’s coffee export sector said the heightened tariff regime had effectively halted their ability to ship to the US, noting that clients paused new agreements immediately after the higher duty was introduced.
The trade disruption briefly shifted global buying patterns, with another major European importer receiving more Brazilian shipments during that period. Retail coffee prices in the US climbed significantly, reflecting the sudden supply imbalance.
The White House has begun reversing several import charges in recent weeks as domestic food inflation remains elevated. Earlier in November, the administration announced the removal or reduction of duties on coffee from multiple producing countries, including Vietnam and several South American origins.
Following indications that tariff reductions were forthcoming, the head of a leading US coffee trade association welcomed the policy shift, noting that easing import costs could help stabilize supply chains and reduce financial pressure on coffee drinkers and businesses across the country.
