ARLINGTON, VA — The National Automatic Merchandising Association (NAMA) today welcomed the Administration's decision to create reciprocal tariff exemption pathways for certain goods that cannot be produced in the United States.

The executive order, issued Sept. 5 and effective Sept. 8, revises components of the reciprocal tariff structure and builds on the existing framework for implementing trade agreements. Among the newly eligible products for exemptions are items classified as “unavailable natural resources and closely related derivative products” such as coffee and cocoa. These imports are critical to the $40 billion convenience services industry, which includes office coffee and pantry services, micro markets, and vending. Tariff relief for these raw ingredients helps stabilize costs for operators and maintain affordable prices for consumers.

NAMA Senior Vice President of External Affairs Bill Meierling said:

“The convenience services industry supports the Administration’s decision to provide tariff exemptions for essential raw ingredients—like coffee, cocoa, and bananas—that cannot be grown in the United States. These imports are the backbone of the products our operators deliver every day, fueling workplaces, communities, and on-the-go consumers nationwide. By reducing unnecessary costs, this policy helps small businesses remain competitive, strengthens supply chains, and ensures millions of Americans continue to enjoy the daily staples they depend on.”

NAMA applauds this step forward and encourages continued dialogue to employ trade policies which meet the full range of domestic industry needs—from procuring unavailable natural resources to sourcing the machine equipment and parts which deliver them to consumers.