Lawmakers are planning to propose a bipartisan bill aimed at exempting coffee from the tariffs implemented during President Trump’s administration.
The legislation, crafted by Representatives Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and Ro Khanna (D-California), would remove tariffs on coffee, coffee shells, and certain other beverages. This comes in response to the tariffs that have been in place since Trump entered office, as reported.
It’s expected that the bill could be introduced as soon as Friday.
“It seems absurd to tax American consumers on products that we don’t even produce here,” Bacon remarked to a news outlet.
Bacon and Khanna have chosen to focus on coffee, aiming to alleviate some financial burdens on American families.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coffee prices have surged nearly 21% since last year.
“American families are feeling the pinch from rising coffee prices. Our involvement in products that we can’t produce on a large scale just complicates the issue even further,” Bacon stated.
While the chances of the bill passing in Congress seem slim, the representatives hope it will push back against Trump’s tariffs.
Khanna added, “If people are saying they dislike the coffee tax, they should also know that these tariffs are affecting the prices of other staples too,” suggesting a broader discourse about rising costs is necessary.
No immediate comments were received from officials at the White House or from Khanna’s office.
Currently, the U.S. relies heavily on coffee imports, as most of the coffee consumed is sourced from overseas.
While there are some coffee farms in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and California, they lack the capacity to satisfy the high demand. Consequently, the United States imports coffee from major producers like Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, and Nicaragua, which under the Trump administration face tariffs of 50%, 20%, 10%, and 18% respectively.
The dilemma is further complicated by climatic changes; rising temperatures and erratic rainfall patterns are leading to a global coffee bean shortage.
Brazil is currently experiencing its worst drought in 70 years, while Vietnam has been struggling with flooding after extended dry spells. Together, these two nations account for 56% of the world’s coffee supply.
Climate change can also leave crops more susceptible to diseases, which could further diminish farmers’ yields.
The National Coffee Association notes that there’s currently no indication of a coffee shortage, as two-thirds of American adults consume coffee daily.
Bacon and Khanna acknowledge the challenge ahead in securing the exemption. The bill requires 60 votes in the Senate and will need bipartisan support to advance through a GOP-led House, eventually reaching Trump.
Khanna concluded by expressing, “Our ultimate goal is to change Trump’s approach.” The administration has previously provided tariff exemptions for essential minerals, medications, cork, and other products.
