US Removes Tariffs on Brazilian Coffee, Burr Grinder Innovation Advances

US Removes Import Tariffs on Brazilian Coffee, Impacting Global Prices

On November 21, the United States officially scrapped a 40% import tariff on Brazilian coffee and cocoa, leading to a sharp decline in global coffee prices. Arabica futures dropped over 6% intraday, settling 4.6% lower at $3.5925 per pound, while robusta futures fell about 5%. The tariff rollback aims to ease inflationary pressure on US consumers, as retail coffee prices had surged 40% year-on-year in September partly due to tariffs. Despite the price drop, traders expect a floor near $3 per pound due to tight supplies and weather risks linked to La Niña. Brazil accounts for roughly one-third of US coffee imports, with the US being the largest consumer globally (Reuters, 21 November 2025).

However, the Brazilian Instant Coffee Association (ABICS) expressed concern that a 50% tariff on Brazilian instant coffee remains in place, threatening Brazil’s market share in the US instant coffee segment, which represents 20% of Brazil’s exports. This exclusion from tariff relief contrasts with other agricultural products and could lead to lasting losses for Brazil’s instant coffee sector (Reuters, 24 November 2025; BusinessWorld Online, 24 November 2025).

Advances in Coffee Grinder Burr Design Enhance Specialty Coffee Experience

Innovation in coffee grinder burr design is progressing significantly, focusing on precision, consistency, and flavor preservation. Leading manufacturers, such as Cimbali and its subsidiary Keber Burrs, are developing burrs with advanced alloys and coatings that extend lifespan and support specific flavor profiles. These improvements reduce particle friction during grinding, preserving volatile aromatic compounds and allowing subtle flavor notes to emerge. Industry experts highlight that grind size is a critical but often overlooked variable influencing the final cup quality. As specialty coffee standards rise, burr design is becoming foundational to coffee preparation, promising a new generation of grinders that elevate coffee without altering beans or brewing methods (Perfect Daily Grind, 24 November 2025).