Can I import coffee to the USA?
There are no restrictions on the importation of coffee, tea or spices for personal use, although they may be subject to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections if a CBP agricultural specialist suspects contamination or insect infestation of the product. Adulteration Standards: Coffee must not contain harmful substances or contaminants. This includes pesticide residues, heavy metals, and other harmful agents. Labeling Requirements: Coffee products must have labels that accurately reflect their contents, including any additives, flavorings, or allergens.The U. S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has actually approved a small level of insect contamination in coffee. Up to 10% insect-related content is considered acceptable.There are no restrictions on the importation of coffee, tea or spices for personal use, although they may be subject to Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) inspections if a CBP agricultural specialist suspects contamination or insect infestation of the product.Coffee, being a food product, is regulated by the FDA, but the agency does not require pre-market approval for coffee.Coffee beans do not have to meet the Produce Regulations since they are rarely consumed raw. However, they are required to meet Good Manufacturing Practices regulations or requirement for processing in a sanitary environment.
Where does the US import most coffee from?
Colombia and Brazil have been the top two countries exporting coffee to the US in each year since at least 2009. In the United States, there are just a few places with the right conditions for growing coffee, such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico—places that can only grow a fraction of the coffee we drink each day. This is why more than 99% of America’s coffee must be imported.While tariffs on coffee imports from many countries still face a 10% duty, geopolitical tensions have driven some rates much higher. Goods from Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, are now subject to a staggering 50% tariff.Our coffee, our why Starbucks proudly sources 100% arabica coffee from more than 450,000 farmers in 30 markets along “The Coffee Belt” – in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. Our buyers, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, scour the globe for the finest coffees, including our premium, single-origin Reserve selections.On the Arabian Peninsula, right by the Red Sea, lies a country that produces some of the best coffee worldwide. Yemen coffee, which boasts a centuries-old tradition, has flourished despite adversity. More than anything, exceptional quality defines Yemeni Arabica coffee beans.Brazil is unquestionably the king of coffee producing countries. It is the world’s largest producer and exporter of Arabica variety coffee, with an ideal climate and a vast territory. The Brazilian regions of Minas Gerais and São Paulo are famous for their high-quality coffee plantations.Situated in South America, Brazil is the top producer of coffee. They produce 2,68 million metric tons of coffee on average every year. Brazil has also held onto its first-place position as the world’s largest coffee producer for over 150 years. The Coffee Belt is divided into three main growing regions: Latin America, Africa and Asia / Pacific. We responsibly source, roast and blend coffees from each of these three regions to bring you unique coffees.In the United States, there are just a few places with the right conditions for growing coffee, such as Hawaii and Puerto Rico. That is why more than 99% of America’s coffee must be imported—mostly raw (or “green”) coffee beans.Optimal coffee-growing conditions include cool to warm tropical climates, rich soils, and few pests or diseases. The world’s Coffee Belt spans the globe along the equator, with cultivation in North, Central, and South America; the Caribbean; Africa; the Middle East; and Asia.Coffee can be grown on many different soil types, but the ideal is a fertile, volcanic red earth or a deep, sandy loam. Yellow-brown, high silt soils are less preferred. Avoid heavy clay or poor-draining soils.
What is the top 5 coffee in the world?
Some of the most iconic and popular coffees worldwide include Ethiopia Yirgacheffe, Jamaica Blue Mountain, Kenya AA, Sumatra Mandheling, and Panama Geisha. The best coffee in the world depends on bean variety, growing region, altitude, and processing method. The optimal temperature range of the Coffea arabica tree—source of 70% of the world’s coffee—is 64°–70°F, which is most consistently found in upland elevations of tropical countries. NOAA Climate. Wikipedia’s list of top coffee-exporting countries.Our coffee, our why Starbucks proudly sources 100% arabica coffee from more than 450,000 farmers in 30 markets along “The Coffee Belt” – in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. Our buyers, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, scour the globe for the finest coffees, including our premium, single-origin Reserve selections.The optimum range for the cultivation of arabica coffee is between 18 and 22ºC, while for robusta coffees it is between 22 and 26ºC. In cold climates, where the temperature is below 18ºC, the Coffee varieties have less development and their production is lower.Our coffee, our why Starbucks proudly sources 100% arabica coffee from more than 450,000 farmers in 30 markets along “The Coffee Belt” – in Latin America, Asia Pacific and Africa. Our buyers, based in Lausanne, Switzerland, scour the globe for the finest coffees, including our premium, single-origin Reserve selections.
Who is the largest exporter of coffee to the US?
Brazil is the world’s largest producer and exporter of coffee, while the United States is the world’s largest consumer. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a 50% levy since the start of August on most Brazilian goods, including coffee, has roiled international coffee markets. Geneva, Switzerland —Uganda has claimed the top spot as the continent’s leading coffee exporter, surpassing Ethiopia in May 2025 with a record-breaking 47,606.Colombian coffee beans are considered the best coffee beans, as they are characterized by a balance between acidity and fruity taste, and they are made entirely of Arabica beans. As for Ethiopian coffee, it has a classic taste and a somewhat sour taste.Brazil holds the prestigious position of being the number one coffee producer globally, renowned for its high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans. The country’s vast plantations and skilled farmers contribute significantly to its dominance in the coffee industry.