Colombia is emerging as the top coffee supplier to the United States, thanks precisely to the global tariff context. Despite the 10% tariff imposed on Colombian exports since Aug. 7, other countries such as Brazil — the world’s leading coffee producer and Colombia’s direct competitor — face higher tariffs, which benefits Colombian coffee exports to the U.S.
In 2024, Colombia ranked second as a coffee supplier to the U.S., with a 19% share, while Brazil led with 32%. However, the conditions imposed by the new U.S. trade policy could narrow the gap between the two origins in 2025 and reshape the global coffee trade landscape.
In fact, according to the National Association of Coffee Exporters (Asoexport), exports could exceed US$5 billion in 2025 — the highest value in the history of the sector.
Colombia to become the top coffee supplier to the US amid new tariffs
The trade war launched by President Trump in the United States, with the widespread imposition of tariffs on most countries’ exports to the U.S. market, could end up benefiting some Colombian producers.
Such is the case for coffee, which this year could surpass Brazilian coffee as the main supplier of this product to the United States. According to Asoexport data, Colombian coffee sales in the U.S. market could reach US$5 billion in 2025, surpassing Brazil’s sales, traditionally the top coffee supplier to the U.S.
For now, according to figures from the National Tax and Customs Directorate (DIAN), between January and August 2025, Colombian coffee exports to the United States increased by 14.7% compared to the same period last year, reaching 3.3 million 60-kilogram bags.
In contrast, Brazil reduced its sales to that market by 20.7%, dropping from 5 million to 4 million bags, according to Brazil’s Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafe).
“Global coffee export flows are shifting due to tariffs. In this sense, Colombia could become the main coffee supplier to the United States. This is very good news for the country, as greater global interest in Colombian coffee could bring more income to coffee-growing families in Colombia,” said Gustavo Gomez, president of Asoexport, in an interview with the local business outlet Portafolio.
Higher tariffs on Brazil, Mexico, and Vietnam, and rising coffee prices
The global trade landscape was shaken this year by the imposition of U.S. tariffs on most countries around the world. The effects of this controversial decision are already being felt in the global market.
It is worth noting that while President Trump’s executive order establishes a reciprocal 50% tariff on Brazilian products — including coffee — Colombian products remain subject to a 10% rate. In addition, countries that also export coffee to the U.S. market, such as Vietnam and Honduras, face tariffs of 20% and 10%, respectively.
Meanwhile, Mexico fared best after a tough negotiation, maintaining a 0% exemption. However, its coffee production — around 4 million 60-kg bags — is much smaller, meaning it is not currently a direct competitor to Colombia in the global market.
Moreover, Colombia’s higher export revenues are mainly driven by international coffee prices. Between January and August, the average price stood at 354.31 U.S. cents per pound — 140 cents more than in the same period in 2024, when it averaged 213.96 cents, and 119 cents above the annual average of that year (235.27 cents).
The international price of coffee has remained above US$3 per pound on the New York Stock Exchange, helping offset the expected decline in domestic production during the last quarter of the year due to adverse weather conditions associated with the La Niña phenomenon.
‘Cafes de Colombia Expo 2025’: Latin America’s leading coffee fair
From Oct. 23 to 26, Bogota will host Cafes de Colombia Expo 2025, the sixteenth edition of Latin America’s most important coffee fair. Organized by the National Federation of Coffee Growers (FNC) and Corferias, the expo brings together the entire value chain — from small producers to roasters, baristas, international buyers, and passionate consumers.
The event, which attracted 27,000 visitors in 2024, expects more than 150 exhibitors this year and aims to match last year’s attendance success. Participants will include producers, researchers, and coffee technicians, along with a diverse academic, commercial, and cultural program featuring competitions such as the 19th National Barista Championship, the 3rd Colombian Roasting Championship, and the Campeonato de Olla, aimed at nonprofessional coffee enthusiasts.
Among the challenges the fair seeks to address are showcasing the resilience of coffee-growing families (around 552,000 producers in Colombia), promoting sustainable practices, diversifying markets, and strengthening innovation in the cultivation, processing, and marketing of Colombian coffee.
Related: ‘Cafes de Colombia Expo 2025’, Latin America’s Premier Coffee Fair, Returned to Bogota.