Recap: USWIC Webinar Series – Session 1

Exploring New Origins: Climate, Tariffs, and the Search for Viable Alternatives

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the first session of the USWIC Webinar Series: Exploring New Origins on September 16. We were honored to welcome Mark Inman (Covoya Specialty Coffee) and Phyllis Johnson (BD Imports / Coffee Coalition for Racial Equity) as they helped us frame the critical issues shaping the future of coffee.

Together, we explored how climate disruption, tariffs, and shifting trade dynamics are creating new pressures and opportunities across the coffee value chain. Drawing on recent survey results from our community, this session underscored that these are not abstract challenges. They are immediate concerns that touch producers, importers, roasters, and retailers alike.

Key Takeaways from Session 1

• Climate instability is already changing the map of viable producing regions.

• Tariffs and global trade policies are reshaping how coffee flows into U.S. markets.

• Equity, representation, and resilience must remain central as the industry searches for new origins and solutions.

This important discussion set the stage for the rest of our series, where we’ll take a closer look at each of these themes with expert voices from across the industry.

What’s Next

Session 2: Tariffs and Trade Tensions October 7, 2025 | 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT

Speakers: Phyllis Johnson & Rob Stephen

We hope you’ll join us as we continue the conversation and dive deeper into how tariffs and trade policies are shaping the future of coffee sourcing.

👉 Register for Session 2 here: USWIC.org/webinar

And don’t forget—you can continue the discussion and share your perspective in our USWIC LinkedIn Group, where we’re keeping these conversations active between webinars.

Thank you again for being part of this work. Together, we’re building stronger connections and tackling the challenges that matter most across the coffee industry.