The instant coffee industry welcomed the U.S. government’s announcement of a global 15% tariff, which, if maintained, would replace the 50% rate that had been in effect on this Brazilian product. The executive director of the Brazilian Instant Coffee Industry Association (Abics), Aguinaldo Lima, noted, however, that trade agreements are needed to support the market.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe situation was getting worse month after month in sales with what is Brazil\u2019s largest instant coffee customer. Now we are entering a new level\u2014whether the tariff is 10% or 15%\u2014but one that puts all suppliers on equal footing,\u201d the executive said.<\/p>\n
In August last year, U.S. President Donald Trump announced tariffs on several Brazilian products. Some of them were later overturned, but items such as instant coffee have remained taxed since then.<\/p>\n
In cumulative 2025 figures, the United States remained the main destination for the sector\u2019s exports, purchasing the equivalent of 558,740 bags, a 28.2% drop from the previous year, according to Abics data.<\/p>\n
\u201cDuring the period when the 50% tariff was applied, between August and December, the reduction was even more drastic: 40% compared with the same period of the previous year. This highlights the direct and immediate impact of the trade barrier on the competitiveness of Brazilian instant coffee,\u201d Lima recalled.<\/p>\n