US lawmakers introduce bipartisan ‘No Coffee Tax Act’ to eliminate tariffs, lower prices for consumers 

USA – A bipartisan group of United States lawmakers has introduced the ‘No Coffee Tax Act,’ a bill aimed at repealing tariffs placed on coffee imports under former President Donald Trump’s administration.  

The legislation, expected to be formally introduced on Friday, seeks to lower coffee prices for American consumers by removing duties imposed on imports from major coffee-producing countries. 

The US is the world’s largest importer of coffee, with only Hawaii and Puerto Rico able to produce the crop on a limited scale. Despite this, tariffs ranging from 19% to 50% were imposed on coffee imports from several producing nations.  

Brazil currently faces a 50% tariff on all goods, while Vietnam is subject to a 20% tariff. Other key suppliers including India (50%), Mexico (25%) and Indonesia (19%) also face high rates above the 10% base level set by the previous administration. 

The bill has been introduced by Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska and Ro Khanna of California, with support from Virginia’s Don Beyer and New Hampshire’s Maggie Goodlander. Bacon argues that imposing tariffs on a product not commercially produced in the US only drives up costs for families already facing rising prices. 

“Tariffs are simply a tax on American consumers, raising the price of everyday goods without creating jobs or bringing production onshore,” Bacon said, noting that coffee prices have risen 21% over the past year. 

The ‘No Coffee Tax Act’ would exempt coffee imports from any tariffs imposed after 19 January 2025. It covers roasted and decaffeinated coffee as well as coffee husks, skins and substitutes containing coffee. 

The US coffee industry has been pressing for tariff exemptions, highlighting that domestic production cannot meet national demand. A petition from roaster Coffee Bros calling for action has gathered nearly 15,000 signatures since April 2025. 

Khanna likened the coffee tariffs to Britain’s taxes on tea before the American Revolution, noting that consumers are paying more for their daily coffee due to trade policies. 

“Our bipartisan bill is simple: it removes Trump’s tariffs on coffee to bring down costs,” Khanna said. 

Bacon added that the legislation is also about Congress reclaiming its constitutional role in tariff policy, signalling a potential wider debate over trade authority in the coming months. 

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