From The Rio Times · Contributing Reporter · · 1m 40s
Puerto Rico Coffee Prices Rise 20%
Puerto Rico's government hikes coffee price floors by 20% to help farmers amid rising costs.
In brief
Puerto Rico's government hikes coffee price floors by 20% to help farmers amid rising costs. Puerto Rico raised coffee minimum prices by 20% to boost farmer income after years of stagnant farm prices and rising import costs. Originally reported by The Rio Times.
New Coffee Price Order
Puerto Rico's Department of Agriculture raised coffee price floors by 20 to 22 percent on Friday 2 October 2026.
Farmers Get Higher Pay
Farmers receive at least US$22 per almud of ripe cherries, up from US$18, meaning about 22 percent more per harvest.
Imported Coffee Costs More
Imported Arabica coffee prices rise from US$375 to US$450 per quintal, and Robusta from US$256 to US$307.20.
Why the Change Happened
The government acted after years of unreviewed farm prices and rising import costs that led to a US$8.3 million loss in fiscal 2024-2025.
Consumer Impact Estimate
Agriculture Secretary Irving Rodríguez Torres said consumers would feel a 20 percent price increase, though no official retail price has been set.
What's Next
Roasters will decide how much to pass on to consumers, with local coffee prices set to rise from 13 November 2026.
Unanswered Questions
It remains unclear whether higher prices will stop the program's losses or how much roasters will pass on to consumers.
Price Floors Take Effect
Local coffee prices take effect from 2 October 2026, with imported coffee prices rising from 13 November 2026.
Government Subsidy Concerns
The program has cost the government over US$30 million, with the department subsidizing part of the coffee price increase.
The key point
Puerto Rico raised coffee minimum prices by 20% to boost farmer income after years of stagnant farm prices and rising import costs.
