Brazil is a cornerstone coffee for most of our clients. However, with a 50% tariff currently in place, it’s no longer a cost-effective option, particularly for blends. Sadly, we can’t justify buying Brazil long right now for spot availability.
Of course, if you’re committed to Brazil, we’ll try to help you secure what you need. Otherwise, knowing that our Brazil inventory will eventually run out, we strongly encourage you to begin considering alternatives.
There is no silver bullet solution to replacing Brazils, so planning is key — and we’re here to help you explore options. We know that your considerations include price ranges, quality, defects and bean sizes. So to help you find the best solutions, we need to know which variables matter most to you.
Speaking generally, these origins currently come with lower tariffs and are worth considering as replacements:
- Honduras HG: 10% tariff
- Mexico HG: 0% tariff
- Colombian UGQ or lower: 10% tariff
- Papua New Guinea Y1, Y2, Y3 or PNG B: 15% tariff
- Ethiopia Grade 5 or Undergrade Naturals: 10% tariff
- Uganda AB: 15% tariff
- Tanzania AB: 10% tariff
Papua New Guinea B Grades, for example, can bring big body and low acidity to a blend.
Ed Kaufmann, our head of QC, describes the high-growns from Central America and the AB grades from Uganda and Tanzania as “sweet heavys” — they’re fairly low in acidity and generally bring notes of almond, brown sugar and caramel. The way they’re roasted can also influence how authentically they stand in for a Brazil.
We recently also purchased Grade 5 Ethiopias to help fill the Brazil gap (think: lemon zest, brown sugar, vanilla). While these lots vary — versus the tightly curated consistency of our Brazil Oberon, for example — they’re something to consider. And this moment is about flexibility, open minds and new ideas. (These Ethiopias are also cheaper than Brazils – even without a 50% tariff.)
As long as tariffs are driving relative costs, they’re also opening doors to trying new cups, broadening blends and highlighting origins or coffees you may not have historically reached for. We’re eager to help you navigate these changes and discover coffees that surprise, delight, keep your menu dynamic — and your budget sustainable.
As ever, please speak with your trader, or contact the team at traders.iacus@nkg.coffee.
