The National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia (FNC) announced yesterday that Colombian coffee exports to the United States will now benefit from a 0% tariff, following a decision by the U.S. government to eliminate import duties on coffee from all origins.
“We thank the U.S. government and the senators who listened carefully, considered our technical analysis, and understood the need to protect both American consumers and producers at origin,” said FNC president Germán Bahamón. “This result confirms the importance of maintaining direct, serious, and ongoing relationships with key actors in the international market. We will continue to pursue more and better trade agreements with the most important market for Colombian coffee.”
The U.S. administration under Donald Trump also announced tariff reductions for beef, tomatoes, and plantains—part of a broader effort to lower food costs across the country. According to the White House, these exemptions apply to products that cannot be produced in sufficient quantities domestically.
Before the change, Colombia faced a 10% tariff on the more than 4.4 million 60-kg bags of coffee it exports annually to the U.S., the world’s largest economy. Colombian coffee holds a 19% share of total U.S. consumption, second only to Brazil, which holds a 32% share but previously faced a 50% tariff.
The tariff exemptions are retroactive, effective from 12:01 a.m. (New York time) on November 13. Coffee now joins hundreds of other food products—such as coconuts, nuts, avocados, and pineapples—already exempt from duties.
Bahamón emphasized that the decision strengthens Colombia’s global strategy:
“From the National Federation of Coffee Growers, we send a message of reassurance to the Colombian coffee sector. We reaffirm our commitment to strengthening relationships with the United States, just as we do with the Middle East, Asia, Oceania, and Europe. With global vision, technical diplomacy, and constant presence in decision-making centers, we continue defending Colombia’s competitiveness.”
Although the U.S. decision benefits all suppliers equally, Colombia had already held a competitive advantage, since its tariff was significantly lower than those imposed on coffee from other major producers such as Brazil (50%), Vietnam (20%), Nicaragua (18%), Indonesia (19%), and Switzerland (39%).
