Surging Coffee Exports from Mexico
According to figures released by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, coffee exports for May are estimated to reach 170,000 tons, with a value of $990 million.
Cumulative coffee exports for the first five months of the year totaled 835,900 tons, with a value of $4.8 billion. This represents a 0.9% increase in volume and a significant 65% surge in value compared to the same period in 2024.
The primary reason for this substantial increase in value is the high average export price of $5,726 per ton, the highest ever recorded, reflecting a 63.7% jump from the previous year.
For the 2024-2025 coffee crop year, Vietnam has exported approximately 1.12 million tons of coffee, with a value of over $6.3 billion. While there is still a third of the crop year left, the export value has already surpassed the previous year’s record of $5 billion.
Vietnamese coffee exports reach an all-time high in price. Illustration: IT.
Germany, Italy, and Spain are the top consumers of Vietnamese coffee, accounting for 16.5%, 8.1%, and 7.7% market share, respectively. Compared to the previous year, coffee exports to Germany increased by 97.6%, to Italy by 33.8%, and to Spain by 51.4%.
Among the top 15 export markets, Mexico witnessed the most significant growth in coffee exports, while Indonesia experienced the most substantial decline.
According to the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association, the surge in coffee prices reflects a global market trend influenced by shrinking supply due to prolonged droughts in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Meanwhile, consumer demand has significantly increased in large markets such as Europe, the US, and Asia.
The International Coffee Organization reports a 6.8% decrease in global coffee bean exports in April 2025 compared to the previous year, totaling 10.2 million bags.
Unexpected Boom in Arabica Exports
While Vietnam is renowned as the world’s largest exporter of Robusta coffee, Arabica coffee exports have unexpectedly surged this year, despite limited production.
Data from the US Department of Agriculture indicates that Vietnam produces approximately 1 million bags of Arabica (60,000 tons) annually in regions such as Lam Dong, Quang Tri, Son La, and Dien Bien.
Arabica’s market share in total coffee exports has nearly doubled from 4% last year to 7.5% for the first four months of this year. In contrast, Robusta’s market share has dropped from 82% to 78%. This is a rare occurrence, showcasing Arabica’s remarkable growth in both volume and value.
Arabica exports surge. Illustration: IT.
Vietnam has exported nearly 43,700 tons of Arabica, generating $284 million in revenue. This represents a 32% increase in volume and an impressive 191% surge in value compared to 2024. The average export price stands at $6,500 per ton, in line with the global market’s upward trend.
The dry weather conditions in Brazil, the top Arabica exporter, along with early ripening and coffee berry drop, have resulted in reduced production and inconsistent quality. These factors have further propelled global Arabica prices upward, creating opportunities for smaller exporters like Vietnam.
The Power of US-Vietnam Agricultural Trade: America Remains Vietnam’s Top Market in Agro-Forestry-Aquatic Exports for the First Five Months
In the first five months of 2025, the export turnover of agricultural, forestry, and aquatic products reached an impressive $28.04 billion, marking a 15.1% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This remarkable growth is attributed to the strong performance of key sectors: agricultural exports reached $15.29 billion, up 16.3%; aquatic exports totaled $4.11 billion, a 15.1% increase; and forestry exports amounted to $7.48 billion, reflecting an 11.7% rise over the previous year.
The Finest Vietnamese Robusta Coffee: Under Threat?
Once the undisputed leader in Robusta coffee with a global market share of nearly 40%, Vietnam now faces the threat of losing its top exporter status to Brazil due to consistently declining production. The 2024/2025 crop year saw Robusta yields plunge to a four-year low, casting a shadow over the country’s dominance in the coffee industry.
Seizing the “Quiet Period” to Maintain the US Market for Agricultural Produce Exports
The temporary U.S. tariff truce, opting for a 10% tariff for 90 days, presents a brief respite from the trade tensions. As such, the second quarter of 2025 is deemed a “golden opportunity” for Vietnamese exporters of agricultural, aquatic, and forestry products to seek solutions and maintain their foothold in this crucial market.