Coffee Prices in the U.S. Surge Sharply Due to Tariffs and Poor Weather in Producing Countries

Official figures reveal that the average price of a pound of ground coffee in the United States reached $9.14 in September, a 3% increase from the $8.87 average in August, and 41% higher than in September of the previous year, according to the U.S.

Department of Labor. Coffee prices have risen sharply since the beginning of the year.

The Department of Labor noted that consumer food prices for both at-home and away-from-home consumption increased by 3% in September compared to the same month last year, according to the Associated Press.

The price of Arabica coffee has soared due to economic tensions between the U.S. and Colombia, as well as climate issues in producing countries, pushing Arabica prices to a historic level in February 2025.

Rising transportation costs and, most notably, a 50% tariff imposed on many Brazilian products since August 6 by former President Donald Trump have contributed to the surge.

The U.S. also imposes a 10% tariff on imports from Colombia, the world's third-largest coffee producer. The U.S. is the largest coffee consumer globally, sourcing about 20% of its needs from Colombia and nearly a third from Brazil, the world's top coffee producer.