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Coffee Prices Spike: What’s Causing It & How You Can Save
If the price of your daily cup of coffee has you doing a double take, you're not alone. In recent months, coffee prices in the United States have reached historic highs, leaving consumers wondering not only why but also what comes next. At several.com, we’re here to break down what’s causing the spike, what Congress is doing, and how you can navigate the brewing crisis.
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Coffee Prices Hit 48-Year High
The average price for a pound of ground coffee jumped to $9.14 in September 2025, a staggering 41% higher than the same month last year and 3% up from August’s $8.87. Price data from the U.S. Consumer Price Index confirms that, whether buying at grocery stores or cafes, consumers are facing an unprecedented squeeze — with cafe cold brews topping $5.47 and a basic cup reaching $3.52 nationwide.
Why? A double hit: rapidly rising tariffs and challenging weather across top coffee-producing countries.
Tariffs Disrupt Global Coffee Flows
Nearly all coffee Americans drink — about 99% — is imported, with Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam the top suppliers. In a bid to address perceived trade imbalances, President Trump imposed a hefty 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee in July, on top of pre-existing duties against other major exporters. Brazilian producers now face stark choices: absorb the extra costs, negotiate with American buyers, or shift shipments to other markets. For consumers, this means higher prices at the register.
Colombia, the second largest supplier, is currently subject to a 10% tariff, with threats of increases still looming. Vietnam faces 20%. Specialty coffees — like Brazil’s famed Jacu Bird brew — are suffering the steepest drops, with some exports off by 70% since tariffs took hold.
Weather Making It Worse
Global climate events have compounded pricing pressures. Brazil’s drought, intensified by new La Niña conditions, slashed bean yields and drove up costs even before tariffs took effect. Other growing regions — including Colombia and Vietnam — saw heat waves, erratic rainfall, and frosts cut into harvests as well. These extreme weather events, increasingly ordinary as climate change intensifies, mean less coffee to go around.
Congressional Pushback: The “No Coffee Tax Act”
Bipartisan action is brewing in Congress to bring relief to American coffee lovers. Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) recently introduced the “No Coffee Tax Act,” aiming to repeal all new coffee tariffs imposed in 2025. Their proposal would restore duty rates to zero — where they stood before the Trump administration — for imports like roasted, decaffeinated, and substitute coffee products.
“Tariffs on coffee are just a tax on American consumers — not a boost to US jobs or farms,” Rep. Bacon explains. With 21% jumps in retail coffee costs blamed by both lawmakers and trade associations on tariffs, pressure is growing for fast legislative action.
Practical Tips for Coffee Lovers
- Buy in bulk: A bigger bag can often beat the per-pound price, even when prices spike
- Consider less trendy beans: Robusta or blends may offer savings over specialty single-origin Arabica, which is hit hardest by tariffs and drought
- Support local roasters: Some smaller operators are absorbing costs better than big chains — and your dollars stay closer to home
- Try new brewing methods: Cold brew and espresso may seem pricier, but a home setup lets you stretch beans further for each cup
- Stay informed: Bookmark sources like Trading Economics for real-time coffee price changes
At several.com, our goal is simple: to keep you informed and empowered. Whether you’re brewing at home or buying at a local café, understanding the facts behind rising coffee prices can help you manage your budget and even influence future policy. Stay tuned here for ongoing coverage — and let us know how you’re adjusting to America’s “coffee moment.”