Brazil instant coffee exempt from US tariffs, protecting $2.5B exports

Brazil's instant coffee sector will not be subject to a new 25% U.S. tariff on Brazilian imports, a move that safeguards between $2 billion and $2.5 billion in annual exports. This exemption marks a significant relief for the industry, which had previously been the sole segment of Brazil's coffee sector facing U.S. duties.

Even after the Trump administration revoked duties on most Brazilian products last year, including green coffee beans and some flavored instant coffee varieties, the instant coffee segment remained under tariff. This had a substantial impact, with Brazilian instant coffee exports to the U.S. falling by nearly 30% in 2025 compared to the previous year, according to the Brazilian Instant Coffee Industry Association (Abics).

Marcos Matos, director general of Cecafe, stated that the exemption was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Cecafe and the U.S. National Coffee Association.