The United States is preparing to announce the removal of import tariffs on coffee from several Latin American origins, according to reports by Portafolio. This move is part of a broader trade-framework initiative aimed at reducing costs for agricultural imports and addressing inflationary pressures on U.S. consumers.
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A move framed within U.S. economic policy
Since mid-2025, the White House has intensified its strategy to mitigate the rising cost of living. Imported food products including coffee, plantains, sugar, and other agricultural goods have recorded significant price increases, placing pressure on U.S. consumers. In this context, Washington identified that certain goods cannot be supplied domestically, meaning tariffs, instead of protecting producers, were driving up costs.
Coffee is precisely one of those products: the United States is the largest consumer in the world but not a relevant producer. This is why it is part of the goods considered “strategic” for a tariff reduction aimed at stabilizing prices.Additionally, this move aligns with agreements already announced with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Guatemala. These countries have reached frameworks that allow the elimination or reduction of tariffs on key agricultural products, including coffee in some cases. Although the measure has not been made official, multiple analysts suggest that the inclusion of Colombian coffee is a likely but not guaranteed scenario.
What is known so far (and what remains to be confirmed)
According to Portafolio and other international sources:
- The announcement could be made this week, depending on final technical discussions between the Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR).
- It is not yet defined whether it will apply to green, roasted, or processed coffee. This point is crucial for countries like Colombia, which export mainly green coffee.
- The countries included could vary depending on the type of bilateral agreement or existing trade framework with the United States.
- The measure would be part of a broader package aimed at easing costs in imported food categories before the close of the fiscal year.
Different international analysts agree that this tariff removal would have an immediate impact on trade flows, especially in markets where current tariff rates exceed 5–10%. In a high-turnover product like coffee, a reduction of this size can influence purchasing decisions, preferred origins, and shipment volumes.
How coffee markets in the region may react
The possibility of exporting coffee tariff-free to the world’s largest consumer opens a range of potential effects:
- Greater competitiveness for producing countries
Countries that already have recent agreements — such as Ecuador and Guatemala — may gain an initial advantage if their inclusion in the tariff elimination is defined sooner than others.
In a market highly sensitive to cost per pound, even small tariff differences can influence origin selection.
- Possible increase in export volumes to the U.S.
U.S. importers would respond quickly to tariff reductions. If the entry price drops, purchasing contracts are likely to increase, especially for mid-range coffee, where price has a stronger effect on final cost.
- Market share shifts among producing countries
If some countries receive the tariff benefit earlier, they may gain U.S. market share. This would pressure other producers — such as Colombia — to accelerate negotiations, technical discussions, and bilateral dialogues.
- Implications for domestic prices
Although experts have not given firm projections, a significant rise in exports could influence domestic coffee prices depending on the country. For some markets, this could translate into higher profitability; for others, tensions if supply intended for domestic consumption tightens.
Logistical implications: ports, routes, and operations
If tariffs are eliminated, the Latin American coffee supply chain into the United States could see immediate effects:
Key export ports such as Buenaventura, Guayaquil, Acajutla, Callao, and Puerto Barrios could face higher rotation, container demand, and yard occupancy. Although coffee traditionally has stable volumes, a sudden 10–20% increase in U.S.-bound orders can create temporary congestion.
Shipping lines optimize capacity based on demand. If the U.S. becomes a priority destination for tariff-free coffee, it is likely that:
- More direct services from the region will be reassigned.
- Frequencies to East Coast ports (Miami, Charleston, Norfolk, Newark) will increase.
- Higher availability of dry containers will be required.
Significant increases are not expected, but:
- Higher terminal occupancy may occur.
- Delays may appear if volume grows too fast.
- Earlier scheduling will be necessary during peak seasons (Nov–Mar).
Any tariff reduction implies additional controls to verify:
- Origin
- Product classification
- Sanitary certifications
- Phytosanitary treatments
- Shipping records and traceability
If the U.S. applies strict initial audits to validate eligibility based on origin and product type, exporters will need absolute precision in their documentation.
Political and commercial context: why now?
This measure cannot be understood without the political context in the United States.
In recent months, Washington has sought to:
- Demonstrate tangible progress in combating inflation.
- Strengthen strategic relations with Latin American countries.
- Ensure the stability of its food supply chain.
- Counter the influence of other global buyers (such as Europe or Asia) over Latin American coffee.
Additionally, pressure from supermarket chains, industrial roasters, and importer associations has increased. These organizations have warned that imported coffee prices are affecting cost structures in key consumer segments — just before the annual close.
What could happen in the coming days?
According to the consulted sources, the probable path is:
- Preliminary announcement from the White House or the USTR.
- Publication of technical details: origin, type of coffee, duration, requirements.
- Initial operational adjustments by importers and shipping companies.
- Reactions from local markets, especially in producing countries.
- Diplomatic follow-up as each country seeks to secure its inclusion.
The most delicate issue will be the scope.
If the elimination is broad — including green coffee from multiple origins — it could become one of the most significant regulatory moves in the coffee trade in the past decade.
What is Fenix Global Cargo doing in response to this scenario?
At Fenix Global Cargo, we have activated an internal plan to prepare for a potential rise in coffee logistics demand toward the United States. These actions include:
- Direct technical monitoring of official announcements regarding the measure.
- Adjusting capacity, routes, and container availability according to demand scenarios.
- Updating customs and documentation protocols to ensure strict compliance.
- Early coordination with partners in destination ports.
Our objective remains the same: to facilitate cargo movements in a safe, orderly manner, complying with all current regulations, without speculating on scenarios that have not yet been confirmed.
Sources
Portafolio – “Estados Unidos anunciaría este viernes que le quita los aranceles a las importaciones de café.” https://www.portafolio.co/negocios/comercio/estados-unidos-anunciaria-este-viernes-que-le-quita-los-aranceles-a-las-importaciones-de-cafe-483134 Portafolio.co
Reuters – “US to remove tariffs on some products from Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador.” https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-remove-tariffs-some-products-ecuador-argentina-guatemala-el-salvador-2025-11-13/ Reuters+1
El País (English Edition) – “Trump to reduce tariffs on bananas, coffee and other food items to try to regain the initiative in cost-of-living crisis.” https://english.elpais.com/economy-and-business/2025-11-14/trump-to-reduce-tariffs-on-bananas-coffee-and-other-food-items-to-try-to-regain-the-initiative-in-cost-of-living-crisis.html EL PAÍS English
Business Insider – “Treasury Secretary says lowering coffee and banana prices is a priority.” https://www.businessinsider.com/trump-treasury-secretary-coffee-prices-lower-2025-11? Business Insider
Perfect Daily Grind – “New US trade deals could exempt Latin American coffee from tariffs.” https://perfectdailygrind.com/2025/11/coffee-news-recap-14-november-2025/
ABC News – “White House announces South American trade deals to try to lower some food prices.” https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/white-house-announces-south-american-trade-deals-lower/story?id=127507073 ABC News
Global Coffee Report – “US coffee tariff cuts coming?” https://www.gcrmag.com/us-coffee-tariff-cuts-coming/ GCR Magazine
