Brewing Resilience: How the Coffee Industry is Innovating Amidst Tariff Challenges
In a time of rising coffee import tariffs and shifting global trade policies, the coffee industry is facing new pressure—but also new possibilities. While headlines warn of increased prices and disrupted supply chains, specialty roasters like Kafiex are telling a different story: one of innovation, direct trade, and long-overdue market correction.
At Kafiex Roasters, we’ve been navigating these price pressures long before the word “tariff” re-entered the coffee conversation. And now, the playing field is starting to shift.
A Wake-Up Call for Legacy Coffee
When tariffs and global cost increases hit, many large-scale coffee companies—long shielded by low-cost sourcing models—were suddenly exposed. As Matthew Selivanow, co-founder and head roaster at Kafiex, puts it:
“We’ve seen legacy companies like K&F Roasters go out of business due to the pressure of increased cost of goods. But I actually see this as a good thing for smaller roasters like us.”
These large companies, Matthew explains, benefited from years of artificially low green coffee pricing—made possible by squeezing margins from producers.
“They paid well below market price to farmers. Now that the pipeline of cheap coffee has been taken away, they’re forced to either close or adapt. Meanwhile, I’ve always paid fair prices—because I had to. That’s how we built Kafiex. So now I can walk into a conversation and say, ‘Hey, I can offer you better-tasting coffee at the same price you were used to paying.’”
That simple shift has unlocked new doors. Accounts that wouldn’t reply to emails a year ago are now responding. Wholesale conversations that once seemed out of reach are happening regularly.
Direct Trade Is No Longer a Buzzword—It’s a Solution
This market shift has empowered a better model to rise: direct relationships with producers. Kafiex now works with several forward-thinking producers and networks that bypass traditional importers.
“We started with Juan Camilo at Cofinet. They own their own farm in Colombia and now act as both producer and importer. We’re seeing more farmers do this—like Forest and Algrano. The supply chain is flattening, and that’s good news for everyone who wants coffee to survive long-term.”
The benefit? Roasters like Kafiex can now pay the same or slightly more than importer prices, but the money goes straight to the farmer—not into a network of middlemen.
A Luxury Worth Protecting
“Coffee is a luxury—it’s not something we need to survive. I love it, but we absolutely can live without it. That’s the mindset more people need to have. Before it’s gone for good... or ruined like chocolate.”
Rather than panic about pricing, Matthew invites customers to value coffee the way it deserves to be valued: not as a cheap commodity, but as an intentional, cultivated experience.
Direct relationships create lasting impact—from farm to roaster to cup.
Stronger Ties to the Source
This new model isn’t just transactional—it’s relational. One of Kafiex’s most meaningful collaborations is with Juan Diego from Finca El Socorro in Guatemala.
“He produces a naturally processed Maracaturra just for us. It’s not something he likes to do because the weather makes it difficult. This year, he told me the conditions were worse than usual and asked if he could raise his price slightly. I said: ‘Absolutely. Whatever it costs—we’ll serve your coffee this year and for years to come. Thank you, Juan Diego.’”
These are the types of relationships that survive tariffs, inflation, and trends—because they’re built on trust and shared values.
Looking Forward: A Stronger, More Equitable Coffee Industry
At Kafiex Roasters, we believe this moment isn’t just a challenge—it’s a chance to redefine coffee for the better.
A shift away from low-price, high-volume sourcing
A move toward transparency, respect, and sustainability
A window of opportunity for roasters who’ve always done it the right way
If you’re a customer, café owner, or coffee lover—you’re a part of this change. Every cup you brew, every roaster you support, every farm you learn about—it all matters.
Because in this next era of coffee, fairness is finally starting to taste better than cheapness ever did.
Want to taste the difference for yourself?
Explore our Coffee Club, or join us in Vancouver, WA for a public cupping every Monday at noon. We’ll save you a seat at the table—and a cup of something worth talking about.
