A bipartisan bill aimed at exempting coffee from tariffs has been introduced in Congress. The bill, led by Representatives Don Bacon from Nebraska and Ro Khanna from California, seeks to remove tariffs on coffee products imposed after January 19, 2025. This includes roasted coffee, decaffeinated coffee, coffee husks, and even substitutes that contain coffee. The purpose of this legislation is to lower coffee prices for American consumers by addressing tariffs that were enacted during the Trump administration.
The bill comes in response to concerns about tariff implications for the coffee industry. The U.S. coffee sector argues that coffee production can’t be expanded domestically to meet consumer demand. Advocates for the bill believe that the tariffs act as a direct tax, raising prices on a staple item without creating jobs in America. In fact, many coffee drinkers noticed increased prices at supermarkets mainly due to these existing tariffs.
Supporting the bill, organizations like Coffee Bros have gathered nearly 15,000 signatures from coffee lovers since April 2025. They emphasize that the ongoing price hikes resemble historical instances like the British tea taxes, which played a role in sparking the American Revolution. The legislation aims not only to ease costs for everyday coffee drinkers but also to improve supply chain conditions by lowering import expenses. Additionally, coffee has a rich history that dates back to its Ethiopian origin, contributing to its cultural significance around the world. Coffee culture has transformed into a significant aspect of social interaction globally, further enhancing its importance to consumers.
Furthermore, this bill highlights Congress’s constitutional authority to regulate tariffs. By proposing this exemption, lawmakers hope to reclaim power that has been lost in recent years. The bipartisan nature of the bill could encourage further discussions about tariff reforms that affect a variety of consumer goods.
As of September 2025, this legislation is gaining media attention ahead of its expected introduction in the upcoming Congressional session. If successful, removing coffee tariffs could have positive effects not just for drinkers but also for businesses involved in coffee roasting and retail distribution.
