The New Coffee Sourcing Reality for US Importers, Why Colombia and Peru Matter More in 2026, And How to Import Smarter

Introduction

Coffee sourcing is getting less predictable, not because demand is falling, but because risk is rising.

The United States imports more than 99 percent of the coffee Americans drink, mostly as green coffee beans, so even small disruptions in origin supply, pricing, or trade policy show up quickly in landed cost and delivery timing.

In 2026, two origins deserve special attention for US buyers building resilient sourcing plans: Colombia and Peru. Colombia has recently posted exceptionally strong production, while Peru is forecast to rebound in output and remains highly tied to the US market.

This is not a “replace Brazil” story. Brazil remains the largest producer globally. It is a “reduce single origin exposure” story, supported by official production and trade outlooks, and made urgent by tariff volatility and weather risk. 

1) Why this shift matters, risk has become the main cost driver

The US market is exposed by design

Because domestic production is limited, the US coffee industry depends on steady import flows.

USDA also shows the scale: US bean imports were revised up to 23.4 million bags for 2024/2025 in its global coffee outlook, reflecting higher consumption.

Volatility is now coming from multiple directions

• Weather and crop cycles are tightening supply and rebuilding stocks may take multiple good crops.
• Trade policy in 2025 introduced new coffee related tariffs, then later carved out exemptions for many agricultural products, including coffee, creating entry filing complexity and refund work.

Practical takeaway: in 2026, origin diversification is both a procurement decision and a compliance decision.

2) The Colombia advantage in 2026, strong production, strong continuity signals

Colombia recorded its strongest coffee harvest in decades through late 2025, driven by favorable weather and replanting, according to reporting that cited the National Federation of Coffee Growers.

USDA also lists Colombia as a top global producer, and shows that weather and yield dynamics can materially change supply expectations.

What this means for US importers:
• Better availability can improve booking reliability and reduce last minute substitutions.
• A larger crop does not guarantee lower prices, but it can reduce the probability of severe shortages.
• More consistency can reduce demurrage, storage, and late delivery penalties in downstream contracts.

3) The Peru opportunity, growing relevance for specialty and stable US demand

USDA’s Peru Coffee Annual forecasted Peru’s coffee production in MY 2025/2026 at 4.2 million 60 kilogram bags, an increase versus the prior year, and stated that the United States remained Peru’s largest market, accounting for 27 percent of Peru’s total coffee exports.

USDA global production data also places Peru among notable producers, even if far smaller than Brazil or Vietnam.

What this means for US importers:
• Peru can be a strategic second or third origin in blends, especially for importers building continuity plans.
• The US market share of Peru exports suggests established commercial channels and strong exporter familiarity with US requirements.
• When tariffs or logistics disrupt one origin, having qualified alternates already onboarded is the fastest way to protect supply.

4) Trade policy reality check, coffee has been caught in the tariff crossfire

In 2025, the US imposed tariffs on coffee imports from various origins, which Reuters reported as increasing costs for roasters during a period of high prices.

Later, a White House Executive Order modified the scope of reciprocal tariffs so that certain agricultural products would not be subject to those tariffs, effective for goods entered for consumption on or after 12:01 a.m. Eastern on November 13, 2025. The order also notes that refunds should be processed under applicable law and CBP procedures.

CBP then issued updated operational guidance explaining the exemption scope and pointing filers to the HTSUS updates and Annex lists.

What importers should do now:
• Audit coffee entries around policy change dates for correct exemption reporting.
• If duty was paid in error, act early while options like Post Summary Correction or protests may still be available, depending on liquidation status and timing.
• Keep classification clean. Policy changes often rely on correct HTS classification.

5) The 2026 compliance checklist for coffee importers

A) FDA Prior Notice is not optional
FDA states that Prior Notice must be provided for food that is imported or offered for import into the United States.

B) Facility registration matters, including foreign facilities
FDA explains that owners, operators, or agents in charge of domestic or foreign food facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for US consumption generally must register, unless exempt.

C) Ocean shipments, remember ISF
CBP’s Importer Security Filing program applies to cargo arriving by vessel, and noncompliance can lead to penalties.

D) Plant product awareness
APHIS provides plant and plant product import guidance to help importers understand requirements and avoid issues at the port. 

How S J Stile Associates helps coffee importers

• Classification and entry filing support for coffee, green, roasted, soluble, and preparations
• Tariff change monitoring and entry audits for exemption reporting
• FDA Prior Notice process support and import documentation alignment
• ISF coordination for ocean shipments
• Proactive compliance reviews to reduce holds, exams, and costly delays

FAQ

1) Why are Colombia and Peru becoming more important for US sourcing plans?

Colombia has recently reported unusually strong production, and Peru is forecast by USDA to rebound in production while the US remains its largest export market.

2) Does this mean Brazil is no longer the key origin?

No. USDA production data shows Brazil remains the largest producer globally. The smarter approach is reducing concentration risk rather than betting on one origin.

3) Do I need FDA Prior Notice for green coffee beans?

FDA states Prior Notice is required for food imported or offered for import into the United States, which includes coffee.

4) Do foreign coffee facilities need FDA registration?

FDA explains that foreign facilities that manufacture, process, pack, or hold food for US consumption generally must register unless exempt.

5) Do I need ISF for coffee by ocean freight?

Yes, CBP’s Importer Security Filing requirements apply to vessel arriving cargo and can trigger penalties if not followed.

6) What should I do if I paid tariffs that later became exempt?

The White House order states refunds should follow applicable law and CBP procedures, and CBP issued guidance describing exemptions and implementation details. Your broker can help you review entry status and available correction paths. 

References

USDA and market data

1. USDA FAS, Coffee, World Markets and Trade
2. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/coffee.pdf
3. USDA FAS, Production, Coffee
4. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/app/index.html#/app/advQuery
5. Tip: choose Commodity, Coffee, then select Production.
6. USDA FAS, Peru, Coffee Annual
7. https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Coffee%20Annual_Lima_Peru_05-21-2025.pdf

Industry background

4) National Coffee Association, Coffee and Trade
https://www.ncausa.org/About-Coffee/Coffee-and-Trade
US government, tariffs and CBP guidance

5) The White House, Executive Order, Modifying the Scope of the Reciprocal Tariff With Respect to Certain Agricultural Products
https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions

Tip: on that page, use the browser find feature and search for “Reciprocal Tariff” or the date November 14, 2025.

1. CBP CSMS, Agricultural Products Exempted from Reciprocal Tariffs
2. https://www.cbp.gov/trade/automated/cargo-systems-messaging-service

Tip: on that page, search for “Agricultural Products Exempted from Reciprocal Tariffs” or filter by date.

FDA, food import requirements

7) FDA, Prior Notice of Imported Foods
https://www.fda.gov/food/importing-food-products-united-states/prior-notice-imported-foods

1. FDA, Registration of Food Facilities
2. https://www.fda.gov/food/food-facility-registration

CBP, ISF

9) CBP, Importer Security Filing 10+2
https://www.cbp.gov/trade/basic-import-export/importer-security-filing-10-2

Final Call to Action:

Ready to take control of your shipping costs?

Let’s talk. Contact Stile Associates for a free consultation and let our experts audit your current process, to help you streamline your operations, stay compliant, and save money.

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