why is coffee so expensive

Coffee is so expensive primarily due to a combination of climate change impacts, supply chain disruptions, and market factors. Extreme weather in major coffee-producing countries like Brazil, which experienced severe droughts and heavy rains in 2024, has led to poor harvests and decreased coffee crop yields. This scarcity drives prices up as producers raise prices to cover losses and meet demand. Additionally, global shipping issues such as port congestion and container shortages increase freight costs, which are passed on to consumers. Environmental regulations aimed at preventing deforestation also contribute to higher prices by imposing additional costs on producers. Furthermore, market speculation and corporate pricing practices exacerbate the price increases. Without significant adaptation to climate change, coffee production and affordability are expected to remain under threat, keeping prices high.