Legislators submit proposal to eliminate taxes on coffee imports
In an effort to lower coffee prices for American consumers and address the country's reliance on imported beans, Representatives Don Bacon (R-Nebraska) and Ro Khanna (D-California) have introduced a bill to exempt coffee products from President Donald Trump's tariffs.
The bill aims to remove the tariffs imposed after January 19, 2025, on roasted and decaffeinated coffee, as well as coffee husks, skins, and other drinks or substitutes containing coffee. The bill also seeks to reclaim Congressional authority over tariff policy and acknowledge that coffee cannot be commercially produced in the U.S. at scale to meet demand.
Reps. Bacon and Khanna are not alone in their criticism of Trump's tariffs. A handful of Republican senators, including Sens. Chuck Grassley (Iowa), Mitch McConnell (Kentucky), and Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), have been vocal in their disapproval but did not respond to a request for comment on whether they would support the bill.
The first round of Trump's tariffs took effect on April 5 and apply to products from almost every country. Among the United States' top trading partners, tariff rates for coffee range from 10 to 50 percent. As a result, the cost of coffee has increased nearly 21 percent since last year, according to the consumer price index.
The bill's introduction comes as a video discussing the lawmakers' plans to introduce the bill was circulating. The lawmakers hope to create pressure for change through town halls and social media, even if the bill may not pass. Exemptions already exist for products such as critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and cork.
Reps. Bacon and Khanna also aim to persuade top administration officials like Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to exempt coffee from the tariffs. If successful, the bill would help Americans save on a daily staple and encourage conversations about tariffs.
However, the White House did not respond to a request for comment. Despite this, the lawmakers remain steadfast in their mission to change the policy, emphasising that their goal is less about getting their names on a bill and more about making a difference for American consumers.
The bill to exclude coffee from President Donald Trump's tariffs now awaits the president's signature. If passed, it would provide relief for American consumers and potentially set a precedent for future discussions on tariff policy.
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