Tariffs, De Minimis & Your Coffee Orders

As of August 29, U.S. residents who order coffee beans from international retailers like ourselves, Gold Star Coffee, will see a price increase due to the elimination of the "de minimis exemption." This change removes the $800 USD threshold that previously allowed low-value imports to enter the U.S. duty-free.

Why is this happening?

The U.S. government announced that the de minimis exemption will be suspended for all imports, regardless of their origin or value. This follows a similar decision in May that specifically targeted goods from China and Hong Kong. Coffee has been listed as a product that could be subject to tariffs, meaning additional fees may be applied at checkout if no exemptions are made by the August 29 deadline.

How can you prepare?

Since Gold Star Coffee is based in Ontario, Canada, many U.S. customers have been able to order coffee without paying customs fees, as most orders are under the $800 USD threshold. With the exemption's removal, you may want to:

·         Adjust your budget to account for increased costs.

·         Stock up on coffee beans before August 29. Whole beans can be frozen for up to six months to maintain freshness.

Tips for storing coffee:

To preserve the flavor and aroma of your coffee, store it in a cool, dark place in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and moisture. If you plan to freeze beans for long-term storage, divide them into smaller portions to avoid repeatedly thawing and refreezing. For best results, grind the beans just before brewing.

There's still some time before the di minimis provision is removed on all imports, and a lot can happen in that time.