Your Daily Coffee Is Pricier — Here’s What’s Driving It

Coffee drinkers in the United States are paying more than they have in decades, even as coffee bean prices decline globally.

New data shows the average U.S. coffee price reached $9.37 per pound in January, marking a 33% increase from the previous year and the highest level since the 1980s.

The price gap reflects a growing disconnect between domestic costs and global commodity trends. International coffee prices have eased to around $3.64 per pound as production outlooks improved and earlier supply shortages began to stabilize. But those global declines have not yet translated into cheaper coffee for U.S. consumers.

Tariffs on imports from major coffee-producing countries, including Brazil, Vietnam and Colombia, have played a significant role.

Together, those nations account for more than 60% of the U.S. coffee supply, meaning policy changes quickly affect retail prices. Even after some tariff measures were rolled back, importers often lock in contracts months in advance, delaying any potential price relief.

At the same time, demand remains strong. Consumers continue to spend on specialty coffee and café drinks, allowing retailers to maintain higher prices. The result is a market where raw coffee becomes cheaper globally, but everyday coffee purchases — from grocery bags to morning lattes — remain elevated.