Vietnam’s ‘Golden Seeds’ Flood Russia at Premium Prices: 0% Export Tax, Securing Second Global Dominance

According to Vietnam Customs data, the country’s coffee exports in August 2025 reached 84,000 tons, valued at $460 million, marking a 17% decline in both volume and value compared to July 2025. However, this figure represents an increase relative to August 2024.

The slight dip in August 2025 exports is primarily attributed to seasonal factors and a temporary slowdown in import demand, as many partners had already stockpiled inventory. High coffee prices prompted buyers to delay purchases, while fluctuating logistics and transportation costs continued to impact delivery schedules.

For the first eight months of 2025, Vietnam’s coffee exports totaled nearly 1.1 million tons, valued at $6.5 billion, reflecting an 8% increase in volume and a 61% surge in value compared to the same period in 2024. The average export price of coffee stood at $5,657 per ton, a 48% rise year-over-year.

During this period, Germany emerged as Vietnam’s largest coffee export market, importing 165,000 tons valued at $901 million, up 26% in volume and 89% in value. Italy and Spain followed, accounting for 8.1% and 7.5% of the total export volume, respectively.

Notably, Russia significantly boosted its imports of Vietnamese coffee. In August, Russia purchased nearly 4,700 tons, valued at approximately $28 million, representing a 190% increase in volume and a 203% rise in value. Over the first eight months, Vietnam exported over 57,000 tons of coffee to Russia, worth $328 million, up 3% in volume and 48% in value.

Export prices to Russia surged by 43%, reaching $5,680 per ton. Coffee ranks as Russia’s second-largest import commodity from Vietnam, trailing only textiles.

Vietnam’s Trade Office in Russia reported that the Russian coffee market began recovering in 2023 following sanctions imposed on the country. Key coffee importers remain multinational corporations dealing in both instant and roasted coffee. Sanctions forced some manufacturers to exit Russia or change ownership, leading to reduced product variety and higher prices.

According to the Director of Vietfood DV, the official distributor of Trung Nguyên coffee in Russia, Trung Nguyên is the best-selling coffee brand in Russia, with key markets in Vladivostok, Novosibirsk, and Moscow.

In 2023, the company imported approximately 700 tons of Trung Nguyên coffee products for distribution in Russia. To date, Trung Nguyên’s 3-in-1 coffee has established a strong foothold in the Russian Federation.

Data from the analytical platform Stir reveals that coffee consumption in Russia has significantly increased over the past three decades. Coffee has become a staple among Russians, particularly the younger demographic.

Statistics from Rosselkhozbank’s Industrial Appraisal Center indicate that the average Russian consumes about 300 cups of coffee annually, equivalent to 60 liters per person, totaling nearly 9 billion liters nationwide.

Coffee has become an integral part of urban Russian youth culture, with popular choices including cappuccino, latte, espresso, and black coffee. As Russia relies heavily on coffee imports, Vietnam has consistently ranked among the top coffee exporters to the country, earning strong preference among local consumers.