Rising tariffs are forcing F&B businesses to rethink how they source coffee cups for the U.S. market. What used to be a simple packaging decision now directly impacts your operational budget, menu pricing, and profit margins per cup.
While you aren't the one filling out customs forms, your supplier is, the layered tariffs importers face inevitably trickle down to the wholesale price you pay. A product that starts at a 0% base duty can quickly inflate by 35%–41.5% after additional trade tariffs are applied.
This guide breaks down exactly how tariffs are driving up coffee cup prices in 2026 and how partnering with the right supplier can shield your F&B business from price shocks.
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Understanding the Tariff Structure for Coffee Cups
When KimEcopak or any supplier imports coffee cups into the U.S., the total cost is built from several layers. These layers are calculated cumulatively, meaning each one directly inflates the final price tag of the cups you buy.
These layers include:
- Base tariff (MFN): Applied to all standard imports based on material.
- Section 301 Tariffs: Additional heavy duties on specific origins.
- Section 122 Surcharges: New universal surcharges introduced in 2026.
- Mandatory customs fees: Like MPF and HMF.
For F&B owners, understanding these layers is crucial because material selection is the first and most important decision affecting your packaging costs.
Base Tariffs (MFN) by Material
The foundational tax layer for imported goods is determined by the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), published and maintained by the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC).
Paper and Kraft Coffee Cups
Paper coffee cups are classified under
- HS Code: 4823.69.00 (paper)
- Base tariff: 0% (Source: USITC 2026 HTSUS Data)
This makes paper cups one of the most cost-efficient options at the base tariff level, especially for coffee shops focused on high-volume imports where even small percentage differences can significantly impact total cost.
Plastic and Bioplastic Cups (PLA / CPLA)
Plastic and compostable plastic cups fall under:
- HS Code: 3924.10.20
- Base tariff: 6.5% (Source: USITC 2026 HTSUS Data)
Although PLA and CPLA are often positioned as eco-friendly alternatives, they still carry a higher base tariff, which puts them at a cost disadvantage compared to paper or bagasse products.
Key Takeaway
- Paper benefits from 0% base tariff, making them inherently cost-efficient
- Plastic and CPLA cups start at 6.5%, increasing total exposure
Material selection is the first and most important decision affecting your tariff cost.
Additional Tariffs in 2026
Section 301 Tariffs (China-Origin Goods)
As mandated by the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR), Section 301 tariffs remain the heaviest burden on your supplier's cost structure. Most coffee cups imported from China fall under categories subject to:
- +25% tariff across paper, bagasse, and plastic products
Section 122 Surcharge (New in 2026)
Per the White House Proclamation and subsequent enforcement guidance by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), a new tariff layer introduced in 2026 adds further pressure:
- Effective date: February 24, 2026
- Rate: +10% on most imported goods
Unlike previous policies, this surcharge is applied on top of existing tariffs, making the total burden even heavier.
Key Takeaway
For China-origin coffee cups in 2026:
- Section 301: +25%
- Section 122: +10%
These layers are cumulative, significantly increasing total cost.
Note: The tax rates and figures presented are based on the current tax rates at the time of writing. Due to changing trade policies, please contact the KimEcopak team directly for the most up-to-date information and appropriate pricing.
Total Tariff Calculation by Product Type
Paper Coffee Cups (China Origin)
- Base tariff: 0%
- Section 301: +25%
- Section 122: +10%
Total tariff: 35%
Plastic / CPLA Coffee Cups (China Origin)
- Base tariff: 6.5%
- Section 301: +25%
- Section 122: +10%
Total tariff: 41.5%
What this means for F&B chains:
If a supplier brings in $50,000 worth of plastic cups, they face over $20,750 just in tariffs—not including mandatory customs processing fees (MPF) or ocean freight harbor fees (HMF). If your supplier isn't actively mitigating these costs, they are passing them directly to you.
This is why many businesses working with KimEcopak prioritize material and origin optimization early in the sourcing process.
Additional Customs Fees (FY2026)
Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF)
According to information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding MPF
- 0.3464% of shipment value
- Minimum: $33.58
- Maximum: $651.50
This fee applies to every customs entry and must be included in cost calculations.
Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF)
According to information from the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) regarding HMF
- 0.125% of cargo value
- Applies only to ocean freight
Although smaller than tariffs, this fee is unavoidable for sea shipments.
Key Takeaway
While these fees are relatively small compared to tariffs, they are consistent and cumulative, meaning they should always be included in total landed cost projections.
The Real Problem: Margin Pressure and Cost Volatility
The biggest challenge for cafe owners and restaurant operators is the uncertainty these tariffs introduce into pricing and planning. F&B businesses commonly face:
Businesses commonly face:
- Sudden cost increases due to policy changes
- Difficulty maintaining stable pricing for customers
- Reduced competitiveness in price-sensitive markets
A total tariff rate of 35% to 41.5% can quickly eliminate margins if not accounted for correctly from the beginning.
This is why more F&B companies are moving toward structured supply agreements with expert importers like KimEcopak, rather than buying from vendors who simply pass every tariff hike down the line.
Strategies to Reduce Tariff Impact
Optimize Material Selection
Switching to lower-tariff materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce cost.
Recommended options include:
-
Paper cups
- Water-based coating cups without plastic lining
These options:
- Maintain 0% base tariff
- Reduce total duty exposure
- Align with sustainability trends in 2026
Diversify Supply Origin
Avoiding China-origin products helps eliminate the largest tariff layer:
- Remove +25% Section 301 tariff
- Lower overall landed cost
KimEcopak supports diversified sourcing strategies to help clients reduce dependency on high-tariff regions.
Key Takeaway
The most effective approach combines:
- Smart material selection
- Alternative sourcing
This creates a more resilient and predictable cost structure.
How KimEcopak Protects F&B Businesses
As a direct importer and packaging partner, KimEcopak absorbs the complexity of global trade so you can focus on serving your customers. Rather than offering generic advice, we provide practical, cost-driven solutions tailored to F&B operations.
Our core support includes:
- Tariff-Optimized Sourcing: We utilize strategic manufacturing partnerships outside of high-tariff regions to bypass heavy duties.
- Material Cost Engineering: We guide your F&B brand toward materials (like water-based coated paper) that offer the best balance of performance, sustainability, and tax efficiency.
- Stable, Landed Pricing: Because we manage the end-to-end supply chain and import process, we insulate our F&B partners from mid-chain volatility, providing clear, predictable pricing.
Order your coffee cups from KimEcopak now and lock in better margins.
Final Thoughts
In 2026, tariffs are no longer just a supply chain issue; they are a central factor in your F&B operational costs. A cup that appears cheap to manufacture can become unsustainably expensive once stacked tariffs and surcharges are applied.
F&B businesses that proactively manage their packaging choices by partnering with a strategic importer like KimEcopak will be fully equipped to protect their margins, stabilize their pricing, and outpace the competition in a tariff-driven market.
