Coffee, once a simple morning ritual, is now turning into a luxury many can barely afford. Why? Because of US tariffs that hiked the price of Brazilian coffee by a whopping 50%, and climate change that has slashed yields of the most important coffee type – Arabica. The price of raw coffee has nearly doubled compared to two years ago, and experts predict an Arabica shortage lasting at least a year.
US President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee exports, sparking chaos on global markets. Traders in the US are already adding a 50% surcharge to coffee prices, and some are rerouting ships to avoid tariffs. Brazil, which supplies a third of US coffee demand, is now redirecting its stocks to Europe and Asia, while the US will turn to coffee from Africa and other parts of the Americas.
Climate change, especially droughts and the El Niño phenomenon, has further reduced yields in Brazil and Vietnam, leading to record price hikes. Coffee producers raised prices three times last year, and the trend continues. This situation threatens not only consumers but also producers, who consider current prices unsustainable.
In local markets, where Croatians are among the biggest coffee lovers with an average of two cups a day, price increases are already felt. If the situation doesn’t stabilize, soon we’ll have to choose – drink coffee or save money.
This coffee crisis is a perfect example of how politics and nature together can ruin our favorite habits. So, how much are you willing to pay for your morning caffeine fix? Or maybe you’re already thinking about switching to tea? Share your thoughts, maybe together we can find a solution to this coffee drama!
