China Offers Brazil’s Coffee-Makers a Partial Escape From U.S. Tariffs
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The Chinese government has given 183 Brazilian coffee producers the go-ahead to export to its market. Photo: AI generated
China has approved 183 Brazilian coffee companies to export to its market, a rarity that experts said could help the producers counter higher U.S. tariffs while pushing Chinese rivals to upgrade their products.
The Chinese embassy in Brazil announced the approvals, which are valid for five years, early this month. It is the largest number of Brazilian coffee firms ever approved for export to China in a single batch, said Tao Jian, a coffee industry expert at the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences.
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- China approved 183 Brazilian coffee companies to export, the largest batch ever, amid new 50% U.S. tariffs on Brazilian coffee.
- In 2024, Brazil exported 8.1 million coffee bags to the U.S. and just under 940,000 to China, though China imports are rapidly growing.
- China now accounts for 41% of Brazil’s coffee exports to China and is expected to see long-term coffee market growth, but cannot quickly replace the U.S. as Brazil’s top buyer.
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Who’s Who
- Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council
- The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council is an organization that provides data on Brazil's coffee exports. In 2024, they reported that Brazil shipped 8.1 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee to the U.S. and just under 940,000 bags to China. The council's president, Márcio Ferreira, noted potential shipment delays due to increased U.S. tariffs.
- Rabobank NA
- Guilherme Morya, a coffee analyst at Rabobank NA, wrote an article on August 15. He expects the 50% tariff imposed by the US on Brazilian coffee will reshape global coffee trade flows and increase transportation costs.
- Coffinance
- Coffinance is a coffee industry service provider founded by Tao Jian, a coffee industry expert at the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences. Tao believes that increased coffee imports into China will diversify options for Chinese consumers and brands, while also supporting the country's growing coffee market.
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What Happened When
- Between 2020 and 2024：
- China’s net coffee imports grew by 13,080 tons, with an annual growth rate of 65.7%.
- 2024：
- Brazil shipped 8.1 million 60-kilogram bags of coffee to the U.S. and just under 940,000 bags to China.
- 2024：
- China imported 181,000 tons of coffee beans, 41% of which originated from Brazil.
- 2024：
- China consumed 400,000 tons of coffee.
- By July 2025：
- No observed impact from the 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian coffee; however, potential shipment delays are starting to be seen.
- Before Aug. 6, 2025：
- U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order raising tariffs on certain Brazilian imports, including coffee, to 50%, effective August 6, 2025.
- July 31, 2025：
- The Chinese embassy in Brazil posted on social media about China’s coffee market growth.
- Early August 2025：
- China approved 183 Brazilian coffee companies to export to its market for five years.
- Early August 2025：
- Brazil approached the WTO seeking talks with the U.S. regarding tariffs.
- August 6, 2025：
- 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian coffee comes into effect.
- August 15, 2025：
- Guilherme Morya wrote that starting in August 2025, exports to the U.S. are expected to slow due to the 50% tariff.
- August 18, 2025：
- WTO published a document stating that the United States accepts Brazil's request to enter into consultations about the tariffs.
AI generated, for reference only
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