☕ When Tariffs Brew Trouble: How Coffee Roasters Are Navigating Uncertain Times

Hey coffee friends 👋

Have you ever brewed your favorite cup of coffee in the morning, taken that first magical sip, and thought, “Wow, what a time to be alive?”

Yeah, me too.

But lately, there’s been a quiet storm brewing in the background, something that could change the way our coffee tastes, how much it costs, and how our favorite U.S. roasters do what they do best.

We’re talking about coffee tariffs.

🌍 A World of Beans, A U.S. Problem

Here’s a quick coffee reality check:
The United States drinks more coffee than any other country in the world, but we grow less than 1% of it. Most of our beans come from incredible growers in countries like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and Vietnam. That’s where the real magic begins.

But now, due to international trade disputes, some of these coffee-growing countries could soon face steep import tariffs. That means U.S. roasters may have to pay significantly more to bring in green coffee beans. And guess what? That added cost could eventually make its way into your morning brew.

☕ What This Means for Your Daily Cup

Let’s break it down. Tariffs = higher costs for roasters.
Higher costs for roasters = more expensive coffee for you.
And more expensive coffee = not the kind of wake-up call anyone wants.

But beyond price hikes, there’s another layer that’s got me (and a lot of fellow roasters) really thinking…

Tariffs could limit access to the diverse, high-quality beans we’ve come to love. That rich, fruity Ethiopian you sip on weekends? That chocolaty Guatemalan we use for our cold brew? They’re not easily replaceable.

🛠️ Behind the Roastery Doors: What We’re Doing About It

I won’t lie, there’s been a lot of late-night Google alerts and head-scratching conversations in the roastery lately. We’re running numbers, talking to suppliers, and most importantly, getting creative.

One thing we’re exploring? Blending lesser-known regional beans with our usual favorites to maintain flavor profiles while supporting a broader network of growers. It’s not just a workaround, it’s an opportunity to shine a light on coffees most people haven’t discovered yet.

In fact, last week, we cupped a Peruvian micro-lot that had this wild honey note with a touch of citrus. One of our regulars called it “sunshine in a mug.” ☀️ And that, my friend, is what keeps us going.

❤️ You + Us = A Stronger Coffee Community

Now more than ever, we believe in transparency, connection, and community. That’s why we’re not just sharing the highs and wins, we’re also letting you in on the real stuff. The challenges. The pivots. The passion behind every batch.

Coffee has always been more than a beverage. It’s a story in a cup. A connection to farmers halfway across the world. A ritual that starts your day or saves your afternoon.

Yes, the road ahead might be bumpy, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned from our community (that’s you!), it’s that we can handle anything, one strong cup at a time.

So brew boldly. Sip with intention. And know that behind every bag of beans is a team working hard to keep the coffee you love flowing.