Capitol News

Mike Rogers, a former GOP Senate candidate, recently made remarks at a campaign event that have drawn criticism. He was recorded saying, “Oh my gosh, coffee went up. You know, horror,” in response to concerns about rising costs for everyday goods like coffee. Rogers defended the tariffs he supports, stating they are “worth the financial strife being put on the American people.”

Recent data reported by the Associated Press shows that the average price of a pound of coffee in the United States reached $9.14 in September 2025. This marks a 3% increase from August and is 41% higher than prices in September 2024.

According to figures from the U.S. Labor Department, consumer prices for food both at home and away increased by 3% in September compared to a year earlier. The broader consumer price index for all coffee products showed prices up 19% from September 2024 but unchanged from August.

The National Coffee Association notes that nearly all coffee consumed in the U.S.—99%—is imported due to limited domestic production outside Hawaii and Puerto Rico. Brazil supplies about 30% of U.S. coffee imports and has been affected by recent tariff increases: a 40% tariff imposed by the Trump administration in July, which added to an existing 10% tariff. In response, Brazilian producers have reduced shipments as negotiations continue over who will bear these additional costs.

Colombia provides around 20% of U.S. coffee imports and faces a 10% tariff, with threats of higher tariffs and reduced aid from President Donald Trump. Vietnam, accounting for 8% of imports, has faced a 20% tariff since summer.

In September, President Trump stated that countries with trade agreements might see exemptions for “unavailable natural resources,” but no such exemption has yet been granted for coffee.