#United States #New York #Specialty Coffee #Coffee Bros #Coffee Tariffs

Growing Concern in the U.S. Specialty Coffee Industry

In recent months, the specialty coffee sector has seen a significant movement advocating for the exemption of coffee from U.S. tariffs. Organized by Coffee Bros., this initiative has successfully gathered over 10,000 signatures in under two months. With rising coffee prices, ongoing tariff threats, and climate issues impacting supply, the community's response reflects the urgency felt across the industry.

Dan Hunnewell, co-founder of Coffee Bros., emphasized the gravity of the situation by stating, "We’re at an inflection point. Highly desirable coffees are arriving just as tariffs, rising costs, and global instability hit hardest. Small roasters are forced to choose between raising prices or sacrificing quality merely to survive."

Rising Costs and Tariff Threats

The pricing landscape for coffee has transformed dramatically, with prices double what they were months ago. Contributing factors include poor harvests in top coffee-producing countries, inflation, and speculation affecting the C-Market. According to reports from Fortune, even midrange beans are experiencing a surge, while premium, specialty-grade coffees are becoming harder to obtain and even costlier.

The harsh reality is that tariffs on coffee imports are now soaring, with some reaching as high as 46%. This has pushed many roasters toward lower-grade options, threatening years of advancements in quality and sustainability within the industry.

Hunnewell has noted, "Many small businesses survived COVID-19 by adapting quickly, but these compounding pressures leave them with few options. The uncertainty of the current tariff environment complicates matters further, adding strain throughout the supply chain."

The Fight for Fair Trade Policies

Coffee Bros. launched this petition to not only spotlight the disconnect between trade policy and agricultural realities but also to rally the coffee community for broader action. Their demands are straightforward:

1. Exemption of coffee from current tariffs.
2. Acknowledgment of coffee as a critical agricultural product that cannot be produced domestically.
3. Protection of the livelihoods of both U.S. small businesses and global coffee farmers.

Hunnewell articulates the necessity of recognizing coffee's unique status: "Coffee cannot be grown on a large scale in the U.S. Treating it otherwise under trade policy is both harmful and shortsighted. This is about protecting a global network of producers, roasters, and communities relying on one of the world’s most vital agricultural commodities."

A Call to Action

The coffee community is urged to unite, and Coffee Bros. is extending an invitation to policymakers, industry stakeholders, and consumers to support the fight for equitable coffee trade policies. To join this movement, individuals can sign the petition on Change.org titled “Exempt Coffee from Tariffs.”

About Coffee Bros.

Established in 2019, Coffee Bros. is a specialty coffee roaster from the U.S. that prioritizes ethical sourcing and sustainability. Their mission is to improve access to high-quality coffee while advocating for a resilient and just coffee industry that benefits everyone involved.

To find out more about their cause and initiatives, you can visit their website or reach out to them directly.

Media Contact:
Dan Hunnewell
914-598-6495
m@coffeebros.com
www.coffeebros.com