In the first half of 2026, Vietnam’s coffee exports amounted to US$4.78 billion, marking a decrease of 14.4% compared to the same period in the previous year. This decline in value comes despite a 9.7% year-on-year increase in exported volume, reaching 1.1 million metric tons. June alone accounted for shipments of 150,000 tons, valued at $552.6 million.
Coffee Export Market Dynamics
The average coffee export price during the first half of the year was around $4,435 per ton, a 22% year-on-year decrease after a period of elevated prices in 2024-25, as reported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. The three largest markets for Vietnam’s coffee exports remained Germany, Italy, and the U.S., accounting for 14.1%, 7.9% and 6.9% of total exports, respectively. However, the first five months of the year saw a decline in shipments to these markets by 21.7%, 9.6% and 2.2% in value respectively, compared to the previous year.
On the other hand, exports to China experienced a significant 70.7% surge in value, representing the strongest growth among the top fifteen importers of Vietnamese coffee.
Domestic Coffee Market and Global Trends
Domestically, coffee prices have rebounded to over VND90,000 (US$3.42) per kilogram, but trading remains cautious as the remaining inventory is limited. The Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association indicates that the global coffee market is moving into a challenging phase where supply growth, largely driven by Brazil, is outpacing moderate consumption growth.
Moreover, the association predicts that the large supply will continue to put downward pressure on prices in the coming months, particularly in the Robusta segment, which is Vietnam’s principal export product. This situation poses a challenge to achieving the year’s export revenue target due to the continuous fall in export prices and the historically lower shipments in the second half of the year.
However, the association also highlights an opportunity for the industry to shift its focus from increasing output to enhancing value. This can be done by exporting higher quality coffee beans with sustainability certifications, and increasing exports of roasted, instant, and blended coffee products. Currently, around 30% of Vietnam’s coffee-growing area is certified under sustainable production standards, which provides a strong basis for meeting the increasingly rigorous requirements in export markets.
In addition to this, the association recommends stronger trade promotion in promising markets such as China, Russia, South Korea, Algeria, and Nordic countries. It also encourages expanding connections with major retail chains in Asia and Europe to foster processed coffee exports.
Questions & Answers
What is the current state of Vietnam’s coffee exports?
The value of coffee exports from Vietnam declined by 14.4% in the first half of 2026 despite an increase in export volume.
Who are the major importers of Vietnamese coffee?
Germany, Italy, and the U.S. are the three largest markets for Vietnam’s coffee exports, but exports to these markets have declined in value. Alternatively, exports to China have surged by 70.7%.
What adjustments does the Vietnam Coffee Cocoa Association suggest for the coffee industry?
The association suggests a shift in focus from output expansion to value enhancement. This could be achieved by increasing exports of sustainably certified, high-quality coffee beans and boosting shipments of roasted, instant, and blended coffee products.
