World Coffee News, November 14th

Nov 14, 2025 |Share

This Week in Coffee: World Records, Political Roadblocks, and China’s Rising Influence

Coffee continues to dominate headlines around the world—from record-breaking luxury brews to political debates over import tariffs and the rapid evolution of Asia’s coffee culture. Here’s a look at the biggest stories making waves in the global coffee community this week.

Most Expensive Coffee Ever Sold: New World Record Set in Dubai

Dubai has once again pushed the boundaries of luxury. Julith Coffee Roaster is now offering the world’s most expensive cup of coffee, brewed from the ultra-rare Nido 7 Gesha beans. Each cup costs a staggering $980, setting a new world record for the priciest cup ever sold to consumers.

These beans originate exclusively from the slopes of Mount Barú in Panama, a region famous for producing some of the world’s most sought-after Gesha varieties. With extremely limited supply and skyrocketing global demand, Nido 7 has become a pinnacle of exclusivity in the specialty coffee scene.

“No Coffee Tax Act” Faces Unexpected Opposition in U.S. Senate

American coffee lovers hoping for cheaper beans were hit with disappointing news this week. The bipartisan “No Coffee Tax Act,” authored by Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) and Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.), aims to eliminate tariffs on imported coffee—tariffs that many argue artificially inflate prices without creating domestic jobs (since coffee can’t be grown commercially in the U.S.).

Senator Cortez Masto attempted a unanimous consent vote, a quick pathway often used for non-controversial bills. However, Senator Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) unexpectedly voted no, blocking the fast-track process. The bill will now head back to committee for more debate, delaying any potential relief for consumers.

With coffee prices already climbing due to global supply pressures, this setback is disappointing for both lawmakers and the millions of Americans who rely on their daily cup.

Shanghai’s Coffee Scene Signals the Future of Global Coffee Culture

While coffee consumption stagnates in parts of the West, China’s coffee market—especially in Shanghai—is booming. Over the past decade, the country has shifted from being tea-centric to embracing coffee as a cultural and sensory experience.

Shanghai, in particular, has become a testing ground for the next phase of coffee innovation. Unlike in the past, when foreign brands dominated the market, today’s movement is fueled by local roasters crafting unique flavor experiences tailored to Chinese palates.

This shift suggests a larger global trend: as Western markets plateau, the center of gravity for specialty coffee may be moving eastward. China’s combination of curiosity, craftsmanship, and a rapidly growing middle class makes it one of the most important regions to watch in the coming years.

Conclusion: A Rapidly Evolving Global Coffee Landscape

From Dubai’s record-breaking luxury cups to the political battles shaping U.S. coffee prices and the rapid rise of Shanghai as a global coffee hotspot, this week’s stories highlight how dynamic and interconnected the coffee world has become. Economic forces, cultural shifts, and consumer demand continue to reshape how—and where—coffee innovation happens. Whether you’re following policy changes, exploring new origins, or tracking global trends, it’s clear that the future of coffee is being written on a truly international stage.

Photo by Daniel Reche: https://www.pexels.com/photo/red-and-yellow-coffee-berries-on-branch-1556665/