The Coffee Association of Canada actively advocates on behalf of Canada’s coffee sector and is committed to helping members navigate evolving tariff and trade issues. Through ongoing engagement with government, legal counsel, and industry partners, we provide members with timely, clear updates and alerts to help manage the impact of changing trade policies.
Tariff Updates
Nov. 15, 2025: U.S. Coffee Tariff Clarification
Yesterday, U.S. President, Donald Trump, announced an executive order removing a number of food-related tariffs that had previously been applied to imports entering the United States. The announcement specifically included coffee.
On October 30, 2025, the U.S. Senate voted to revoke the emergency authority under which former President Donald Trump imposed tariffs on Canadian imports. The resolution, which passed with bipartisan support, represents a significant rebuke of the tariff policy but is largely symbolic at this stage.
Oct. 27, 2025: U.S. Tariff Increase on Canadian Coffee and Related Products
On October 25, 2025, the U.S. government announced a 10 % increase in tariffs on Canadian goods, which will be added on top of the current tariffs already in place. This specifically affects products such as roasted and packaged coffee, as well as other key Canadian exports to the U.S.
Sep. 10, 2025: Tariff Changes Affecting U.S. Coffee Imports
Last Friday, the Department of Finance released an updated and complete list of U.S. products that were previously subject to Canadian counter-tariffs, with changes coming into effect as of September 1.
Aug. 25, 2025: Official Statement from the Prime Minister’s Office
On August 22, Prime Minister Mark Carney announced that Canada will remove all CUSMA-related tariffs on U.S. goods starting September 1, 2025, while maintaining tariffs on strategic sectors like steel, aluminum, and autos as discussions continue.
Aug. 1, 2025: U.S. Tariff Increase of Canadian Imports
On August 1, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a significant escalation in trade measures against Canada, raising tariffs from 25% to 35% on a broad range of Canadian exports not covered under the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA).
We want to update you on a key development regarding U.S. tariffs on coffee that could affect Canadian businesses trading with the U.S. May 28, 2025 Ruling.
On April 8, 2025, the U.S. government announced a 90-day pause on previously announced “reciprocal” global tariffs aimed at matching or exceeding the import duties other countries place on American exports.
As of April 2, 2025, President Donald Trump has officially announced the implementation of global reciprocal tariffs. Canadian goods under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) are exempt from these new tariffs. To benefit from USMCA, products must meet specific rules of origin set out in the agreement.
The Coffee Association of Canada is advocating for the coffee industry, monitoring developments and providing regular updates to our members about tariffs. Here is some information, provided by our trade lawyer partner from Bennett Jones, that may help members better understand the USMCA exception.
Mar. 13, 2025: USMCA Rules of Origin & Coffee Tariffs
On March 6, 2024, just two days after a 25% tariff was imposed on most imports from Canada and Mexico, the White House announced a temporary suspension of the tariffs starting March 7. However, this exemption applies only to goods that meet the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) rules of origin.
It has been a dynamic week in North American government announcements and the CAC is following this closely. There are a number of updates we wanted to share with our member audience at this time.
At midnight last night, President Trump’s long-threatened 25 percent tariffs on all Canadian and Mexican products, except 10 percent on Canadian energy products, began. In response, Prime Minister Trudeau announced a 25 percent retaliatory tariff on American goods.
On February 3, 2025, Canada and the United States agreed to delay the imposition of our respective tariffs on imported goods. A 30-day pause on U.S. tariffs was announced and has been extended to March 1
Feb. 3, 2025: List of U.S. Products Subject to 25% Tariffs (Effective Feb. 4, 2025)
The Trump administration announced a 25% US tariff on all Canadian imports, set to take effect on Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. In response, the Canadian government has swiftly imposed a retaliatory 25% tariff on U.S. imports coming into Canada.
CAC working aggressively to address tariff concerns, engaging with federal and provincial leaders, collaborating with U.S. counterparts, and advocating in Washington.
What does it mean for goods to be “CUSMA compliant”?
Goods that meet the rules of origin under the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) are considered CUSMA compliant and may qualify for lower duty rates or exemptions from U.S. tariffs.
How do I determine if my goods qualify under CUSMA?
Identify the correct tariff classification for your goods.
Check the applicable rule of origin:
Wholly obtained (e.g., mined or harvested in Canada)
Product-specific rules, such as:
Tariff shift (a change in tariff classification from inputs to final product)
Value content (a percentage of the good’s value must be from North America)
Process requirement (specific processes must occur in North America)
Who can certify the origin of goods?
The exporter, producer, or importer can certify the origin. A specific form isn’t required—any commercial document (e.g., invoice) is acceptable if it includes required information.
What information must be included in a CUSMA Certification of Origin?
Certifier’s name, title, and contact details
Exporter, producer, and importer info (if different and known)
Description of the goods
6-digit HS tariff classification
Origin criteria
Time period of certification (for blanket coverage, max 12 months)
Invoice number (if applicable)
Authorized signature and this statement: “I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations…”
How long should I keep records supporting origin?
Under CUSMA: 5 years from the date of certification
Under Canadian law: 6 years
Where can I get help classifying goods or certifying origin?
Members are encouraged to consult with a trade compliance specialist or contact Canadian customs authorities for guidance.
Minimum Information Required
The CUSMA does not require that the exporter, producer or importer certifying the origin of the goods use a particular template or form. Instead, the certification could be set out in writing on any kind of commercial document, including an invoice, so long as it contains the following minimum data elements:
Language
English, French or Spanish.
Information about the Exporter (if different from the certifier)
Provide the exporter’s name, address (including country), e-mail address, and telephone number if different from the certifier. The address of the exporter must be the place of export of the good in a CUSMA Party’s territory. Note, this information is not required if the producer is completing the certification of origin and does not know the identity of the exporter.
Information about the Producer (if different from the certifier or exporter)
Provide the producer’s name, address (including country), e-mail address, and telephone number. If there are multiple producers, state “Various” or provide a list of producers. A person that wishes for this information to remain confidential may state “Available upon request by the importing authorities”. The address of a producer must be the place of production of the good in a Party’s territory.
Information about the Importer (if known)
The importer’s name, address, e-mail address, and telephone number. The address of the importer must be in a Party’s territory.
Description of the Goods
The description should be sufficient to relate it to the good covered by the certification.
HS Tariff Classification (6-digit level)
Include the tariff classification of the good covered by the certification to the 6-digit (sub-heading) level.
Origin Criteria
Specify the origin criteria under which the good qualifies, as set out in Article 4.2 of CUSMA.
Time Period of Certification (if blanket)
If the certification is for a blanket period, state the period during which the certification is applicable (cannot exceed 12 months from the date of certification).
Invoice Number (if single shipment)
If the certification of origin covers a single shipment of a good, indicate, if known, the invoice number related to the exportation.
Authorized Signature and Date
The certification must be signed and dated by the certifier and accompanied by the following statement:
“I certify that the goods described in this document qualify as originating and the information contained in this document is true and accurate. I assume responsibility for proving such representations and agree to maintain and present upon request or to make available during a verification visit, documentation necessary to support this certification.”
