Brazilian Instant Coffee Wins Exemption From US Tariffs

The United States has exempted Brazilian instant coffee from a 25% import tariff, a significant relief for one of the world's largest coffee producers. The move safeguards between $2 billion and $2.5 billion in annual coffee exports to the U.S., according to a report from the Brazilian coffee exporters council, Cecafe.

Impact on Trade

The tariffs had placed significant pressure on the Brazilian coffee industry. According to the Brazilian Instant Coffee Industry Association (Abics), exports of the product to the U.S. plummeted by nearly 30% in 2025 compared to the prior year as a direct result of the duties.

The exemption is expected to restore the competitiveness of Brazilian instant coffee in the key U.S. market. The decision follows lobbying efforts by both Brazilian and American industry groups.

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Background and Context

While the Trump administration had previously revoked duties on most other Brazilian coffee products, including green coffee beans and flavored instant varieties, standard instant coffee had remained subject to the tariff. This created a competitive disadvantage for Brazilian producers.

Marcos Matos, the director general of Cecafe, credited the successful outcome to collaborative efforts between Cecafe and the U.S. National Coffee Association, as reported by Reuters.