Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

New Tariffs Spike Coffee Prices, Cafés Raise Menu Costs

4/14/2025

37 3

Summary

Story summary

New 10% tariffs on imported coffee and tea are driving up prices for U.S. cafés and bakeries.
Café owners are increasing menu prices by up to 25% to offset rising costs.
Retail prices for coffee and tea have surged by 12-15%, prompting Americans to brew at home.
The tariffs create supply chain uncertainty for major coffee-producing countries, risking sales for small roasters.

History

Historical Context

The new 10% tariffs on imported coffee and tea echo the 1980s coffee crisis, which saw prices plummet due to oversupply and market shifts. This historical precedent shows how tariff impacts can ripple through supply chains, affecting small producers and driving consumer behavior toward home brewing, much like past economic downturns.

1 of 2

Story summary

New 10% tariffs on imported coffee and tea are driving up prices for U.S. cafés and bakeries.
Café owners are increasing menu prices by up to 25% to offset rising costs.
Retail prices for coffee and tea have surged by 12-15%, prompting Americans to brew at home.
The tariffs create supply chain uncertainty for major coffee-producing countries, risking sales for small roasters.

1 / 2