How Coffee Tariffs Affect Your Morning Latte (and Why Your Barista Isn’t Panicking)
At The Wild Roaster in Deerfield, IL, we take pride in sourcing high-quality coffee beans from around the world and roasting them right here for our Deerfield community. But every now and then, something not-so-delicious tries to sneak into the coffee world: tariffs.
Yes—tariffs. The word alone sounds like it belongs in a political debate, not your peaceful morning latte ritual. But stick with us, because understanding coffee tariffs is easier (and more fun) than you think.
So… What Are Coffee Tariffs, Anyway?
Tariffs are fees imposed on products imported into the United States. Think of them like an annoying cover charge at a bar—except in this case, the DJs are coffee farmers, and the dance floor is your local café.
The good news? Most green (unroasted) coffee beans enter the U.S. with little to no tariff.
The bad news? Tariffs can appear if the beans undergo certain processing steps before arriving—or if political winds shift faster than a barista pulling a ristretto shot.
How Tariffs Can Affect Coffee Prices
When tariffs increase, importers and roasters pay more. That cost can eventually make its way to the consumer (yes, that’s you… the latte lover). But don’t worry—your barista isn’t going to start charging “market price” like lobster tail.
At The Wild Roaster, we work with trusted suppliers who help us navigate changes in global pricing so your favorite latte stays delicious and reasonably priced.
The Real Impact: Sustainability and Farmers
While tariffs may influence U.S. pricing, the bigger impact is often on coffee growers. Tariff uncertainty can cause market instability, which affects farmers who rely on steady pricing to plan their harvests and support their communities.
This is why we source from ethical partners—because good coffee should support everyone from bean to cup.
Why Your Latte in Deerfield Is Safe
Here’s the fun part: even when tariffs fluctuate like a jittery espresso shot, specialty roasters like us are pros at staying nimble. We:
Build strong relationships with importers
Diversify origins to keep options open
Roast in small batches for higher control
Keep quality as our North Star (or North Roast?)
So go ahead—sip that latte with confidence. At The Wild Roaster, we’ve got your cup covered.