Daniel Otera
A new wave of US tariffs is set to hit global exporters hard, with President Donald Trump announcing fresh duties on everyday goods ranging from coffee and rice to clothing, cocoa and copper. The measures, due to take effect from 1 August, could raise prices for American households and stir global trade tensions.
“Enough is enough. America must protect its own,” Trump said during a White House briefing. “Those who take advantage of our markets will now pay a fair price.”
Trump, who returned from a trip to his golf resorts in Scotland this week, warned US trading partners to agree to new terms or face economic retaliation.
Coffee may be one of the hardest hit. Over 99 percent of the coffee consumed in the United States is imported, with Brazil alone supplying nearly a third, according to the US Department of Agriculture and the National Coffee Association.
Trump has now imposed a 50 percent tariff on Brazilian coffee, linking the decision to what he called a political.
“witch hunt” against Brazil’s former president Jair Bolsonaro. In a letter to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Trump said, “This trial should not be taking place. It is a witch hunt that should end immediately.” He warned of economic consequences if the prosecution isn’t halted.
Vietnam, another key coffee supplier, is also facing a 20 percent tariff despite a recent trade deal with Washington, according to AFP.
New tariffs on apparel could also push up clothing prices in the US. China, Vietnam and Bangladesh — which together accounted for over half of America’s clothing imports between January and May 2025 — are all facing increased duties.
China’s exports already face a 30 percent tariff. That figure could rise if a current trade truce, due to expire on 12 August, isn’t renewed.
Bangladesh is now facing a 35 percent duty. Vietnam is navigating a patchwork of rates, with no clear exemption despite its upgraded trade status.
Imported rice is also in the crosshairs. Aromatic varieties such as jasmine and basmati sourced mainly from Thailand, India and Pakistan will now face tariffs ranging from 26 to 36 percent.
Ivory Coast, the world’s leading cocoa producer, is now subject to a 21 percent duty under Trump’s revised policy. According to Reuters, cocoa exporters across West Africa fear falling demand and price shocks. Cocoa butter is also affected, with Indonesia and Malaysia facing duties of 19 and 25 percent respectively.
Copper, crucial for construction and electronics, is not spared. A 50 percent tariff will take effect from 1 August. The Boston Consulting Group estimates the policy could add over $8.6 billion to copper-related import costs.
With the construction sector using 42 percent of domestic copper supplies, analysts warn the price shocks could spill into housing, transport and consumer electronics.