Time to Exhale: Cocoa Tariffs Removed!

November 25, 2025 

Time to Exhale: Cocoa Tariffs Removed!

The Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) is pleased that tariffs on cocoa have been removed, as of November 13, 2025.

The Trump administration removed tariffs on cocoa, coffee, and dozens of other imported foods and commodities. Most of these foods, as with cocoa, either cannot be grown in the United States, or are unable to be grown in sufficient quantities to meet demand, necessitating their importation. This limitation left both businesses and consumers with no alternative but to pay the tariff, go without these foods, or reformulate their products to use less cocoa.

The tariffs were removed from “aligned partners” but Brazil was not included. Tariffs on Brazilian cocoa and coffee were lowered, but still remain high and are dependent on how bi-lateral negotiations with Brazil progress. FCIA urges negotiators to come to a quick solution to further reduce the remaining tariffs on Brazilian cocoa.

The tariffs were especially troubling for chocolate makers and chocolatiers because there are no domestic alternatives to these imported commodities. There has also been a huge rise in the price of cocoa over the past two years due to shortages as the result of weather, speculator activity, and disease issues in Africa. The additional tariffs were on top of those already elevated prices.

Support for removing tariffs on many imported foods began to grow in earnest with the introduction in September 2025 of the “No Coffee Tax Act” in the US House of Representatives, spearheaded by Rep Ro Khanna (D-CA), which has garnered bipartisan support in Congress. Co-sponsors included Representatives Don Bacon (NE-02), Don Beyer (VA-08), and Maggie Goodlander (NH-02).

FCIA thanks the efforts of many, including the National Confectioners Association (NCA), and American chocolate makers and chocolatiers like Paul Picton, of Maverick Chocolate, who met with Senators and congresspersons to urge passage of the No Coffee Tax Act and to advocate for the inclusion of cocoa and cocoa products to the legislation. “Ideally, it will help to highlight the current challenge we are facing,” Picton noted.

Picton is a member of the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses program, which assists entrepreneurs with growing their businesses and creating jobs in the United States.

FCIA is the only non-profit organization focused 100% on supporting fine chocolate professionals. Founded in 2007, FCIA supports the development and innovation of the fine chocolate industry and best practices.

About the Fine Chocolate Industry Association (FCIA) The Fine Chocolate Industry Association is a nonprofit international organization representing all parts of the fine chocolate supply chain; from cacao farmers and chocolate makers to educators and retailers. Through advocacy, education, and collaboration, FCIA promotes quality, transparency, and sustainability within the industry.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Cathy Ford

Manager of Member Services

Fine Chocolate Industry Association

Email: C.Ford@FineChocolateIndustry.org