Coffee industry asks Trump for tariff exemption

The National Coffee Association (NCA) of the United States has urged the Trump administration to exempt coffee from any tariffs, arguing that the additional tariffs already imposed on Canada and Mexico could drive up prices in the U.S. by as much as 50%.

In a letter seen by Reuters, NCA President and CEO Bill Murray told U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer that there was no alternative to imported coffee, "unlike other cases where tariffs can address unfair practices or incentivize domestic producers."

The NCA represents over 200 members, including importers, exporters, traders, brokers, roasters, and coffee retailers. The group stated that the coffee industry contributes US$ 343 billion annually to the U.S. economy and that three out of four Americans are regular coffee drinkers.