Green Coffee Tariff Updates & Customer FAQs

Updated November 20, 2025 

TL; DR 

• On Nov 20 2025, the U.S. signed an order that removes the 40% additional duty on certain Brazilian agricultural imports, including coffee. 
• The relief is effective for goods entered/withdrawn for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. ET on Nov 13, 2025.
• Tariffs on most green coffee from most countries were removed as of November 13 at 12:01 a.m. ET under a new White House order. This lowers landed costs for most coffees entering the U.S. now. 
• Tariffs paid before November 13 are not refundable under the order. 
• Future shipments (and coffees currently afloat), including Brazil, will be repriced without tariffs.  
• Spot coffees won’t see retroactive changes. 
• We’re updating inventory now and will adjust forward contracts where tariff charges no longer apply. 

What has changed? 

On November 14, the White House issued a new order that removes reciprocal tariffs on many agricultural imports, including coffee. This change applies to green coffee intended for consumption that enters the US on or after November 13th at 12:01 am Eastern Time. 

Does this eliminate tariffs on all coffee? 

For most coffee origins, yes. Coffee is now exempt from the group of “reciprocal” tariffs established by Executive Order 14257.  

Will I get a refund on tariffs paid?  

Unfortunately, no. The order does not retroactively reverse any tariffs applied and paid prior to November 13. The order further states that any refunds will be handled under existing Customs and Border Protection (CBP) procedures. If CBP guidance provides a path for specific cases, we will follow the appropriate steps and keep customers informed. 

If I’ve booked spot coffee, will my price be adjusted? 

The order does not reverse tariffs on spot coffees, so unfortunately those prices will remain the same. 

If I’ve booked future coffee, will my price be adjusted? 

If you have been charged a tariff as part of your pricing and the coffee will not incur a tariff, we will reduce your price accordingly.  

Will tariffs be removed from all of the coffee you’re offering?  

Yes, we will remove tariff pricing for all future shipments and for anything currently afloat to the USA.

What does this mean for green coffee pricing? 

Tariff removal will help lower landed costs for coffees that enter after November 13. This should ease pricing pressure for many customers. The subsequent removal of the 40% Brazilian tariff should have a dramatic impact on the market. 

How Royal Coffee is handling this for customers 

We are working to update inventory prices to remove or adjust tariffs.   

1. Coffees with Tariff Paperwork Pending Revision 
   • We’ve identified two arrivals still afloat that will have revised pricing. These coffees are on hold and will be released when the pricing is updated. All entries dated November 13 and later will be revised to remove or apply tariffs at the new rates. It can take up to 10 days from vessel arrival and entry date until goods are available at the warehouse, so there are lots still devanning from vessels that arrived prior to November 13 and are subject to tariffs. 
2. Refunds 
   • We do not expect refunds for previously paid tariffs on coffee that has already entered the country. If CBP guidance provides a path for specific cases, we will follow the appropriate steps and keep customers informed.  

If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your trader or info@royalcoffee.com. We are here to help.