Tag: Conab

Brazil Coffee Production to Hit Record 66.7 Million Bags in 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Author: Qahwa World – Brasília
Source: National Supply Company of Brazil (Conab), Cecafé, MDIC
Date: May 26, 2026This update covers expectations for a Brazil coffee production 2026 record, based on the latest reports and forecasts.

Brazil Coffee Output to Hit Record 66.7 Million Bags in 2026

Executive Summary

  • Brazil’s coffee production for the 2026 harvest is forecast at 66.7 million 60 kg bags, an 18% increase over 2025 and a new record, surpassing the 2020 harvest of 63.08 million bags.
  • Arabica production is expected to reach 45.8 million bags (+28%), while Robusta (Conilon) is forecast at 20.9 million bags (+0.8%).
  • Total planted area rises 3.9% to 2.34 million hectares, with national average productivity projected at 34.4 bags per hectare (+13%).
  • Minas Gerais, the largest producer, is forecast at 33.4 million bags (+29.8%). Espírito Santo follows with 18 million bags (+3%).
  • Brazil exported 11.5 million bags from January to April 2026, down 22.5% year-on-year due to low stocks, but April exports jumped 11.2% to 4.27 million bags, signaling recovery with the new harvest.
  • The USDA projects world production for 2025/26 at 178.8 million bags (+2%), with global demand rising 1.3% to 173.9 million bags, keeping prices elevated.

The National Supply Company of Brazil (Conab) released its second harvest survey on May 21, 2026, forecasting a record coffee production of 66.7 million 60 kg bags for the 2026 crop year, an 18% increase over the previous season.

If confirmed, this will be the largest harvest in Conab’s historical series, surpassing the 2020 record of 63.08 million bags.

The positive biennial cycle (higher production year for Arabica), the entry of new areas into production, and favorable weather conditions are the main drivers of this growth.

The total coffee area is expected to increase by 3.9% to 2.34 million hectares, comprising 1.94 million hectares of productive fields and 401,700 hectares of young plantations. National average productivity is projected to recover by 13% to 34.4 bags per hectare.

Arabica and Robusta Production

Arabica coffee production is forecast at 45.8 million bags, a 28% increase over 2025. This would be the third-highest Arabica harvest on record, behind only 2020 and 2018.

The expansion is driven by the positive biennial cycle, a larger area under production, and favorable weather conditions, particularly good rainfall distribution during the flowering period.

Robusta (Conilon) production is expected to reach 20.9 million bags, a modest 0.8% increase. While the harvested area is projected to grow to 388,220 hectares, average yields are estimated to drop 3.5% to 53.9 bags per hectare.

This decline reflects the high yields achieved in 2025 (a natural off-year for Robusta’s biennial cycle is less pronounced) and below-average temperatures in Espírito Santo during the production cycle, which affected plant physiology.

Production by State

Minas Gerais, the country’s largest coffee producer, is forecast to harvest 33.4 million bags (combining both species), a 29.8% increase over 2025.

This result is attributed to the positive biennial cycle combined with better rainfall distribution, especially in the months preceding flowering, as well as favorable weather through March, which provided good grain formation.

Espírito Santo, the second-largest producer, is expected to harvest 18 million bags, a 3% increase. Arabica production in the state is projected to rise 27.9% to 4.4 million bags, benefiting from the high biennial cycle.

However, Conilon production is forecast at 13.6 million bags, a 4.2% decrease due to the record-high performance in 2025 and below-average temperatures.

Bahia is expected to produce 4.7 million bags (+5.9%), supported by consistent weather, increased producer investment, and new areas entering production. São Paulo is forecast at 5.9 million bags (+24.6%), where only Arabica is grown. Rondônia is expected to produce 2.8 million bags (+19.4%), driven by the renewal of genetic material with more productive clonal plants and favorable weather.

Table 1: Brazil Coffee Production Forecast by State (2026, million 60 kg bags)

State 2026 Production (million bags) Change vs 2025 Main species
Minas Gerais 33.4 +29.8% Arabica
Espírito Santo 18.0 +3.0% Robusta (Conilon)
São Paulo 5.9 +24.6% Arabica
Bahia 4.7 +5.9% Both
Rondônia 2.8 +19.4% Robusta

Exports: April Recovery Signals New Harvest

According to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé), Brazil exported 4.27 million 60 kg bags in April 2026, an 11.2% increase compared to April 2025 (3.84 million bags). This was the first monthly increase in 2026, indicating the beginning of an export recovery as the new harvest enters the market.

“The rise in April reflects the start of the new harvest season in Brazil, which contributed to increased coffee availability for export,” said Horacio Miranda, analyst at hEDGEpoint. This upward trend supports Cecafé’s expectations of higher exports in the second half of the year.

In contrast, total exports from January to April 2026 reached 11.6 million bags, a 16.1% decrease compared to the same period in 2025. Export revenue for the first four months totaled $4.49 billion, down 14.4% year-on-year, according to MDIC data.

The decline in early 2026 reflects low domestic stocks resulting from limited production in previous years and strong export demand.

The main destinations in April were Germany, the United States, Italy, Belgium, and Japan.

Table 2: Brazil Monthly Coffee Exports (million 60 kg bags)

Month 2024 (million bags) 2025 (million bags) 2026 (million bags) Change (Apr 2026 vs Apr 2025)
January 3.2 3.1 2.9 –
February 2.8 2.9 2.4 –
March 3.0 3.2 2.6 –
April 3.4 3.84 4.27 +11.2%

Global Market Outlook

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) forecasts world coffee production for the 2025/26 cycle at 178.8 million 60 kg bags, a 2% increase over the previous cycle.

Despite the production increase, no significant price reductions are expected due to low carryover stocks from the previous cycle and a projected 1.3% increase in global demand to 173.9 million bags.

Brazil’s record harvest will play a major role in replenishing global stocks and meeting rising demand, particularly for high-quality Arabica beans.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee will Brazil produce in 2026?

Brazil is forecast to produce 66.7 million 60 kg bags, an 18% increase over 2025, setting a new record.

What is driving the production increase?

The positive biennial cycle (high-yield year for Arabica), expansion of planted area (+3.9%), and favorable weather conditions, especially good rainfall distribution.

Which Brazilian state produces the most coffee?

Minas Gerais is the largest producer, forecast at 33.4 million bags, a 29.8% increase.

How are Brazil’s coffee exports performing?

April exports jumped 11.2% to 4.27 million bags, signaling recovery with the new harvest. However, January-April exports were down 16.1% due to low stocks.

What is the global coffee market outlook?

USDA projects world production at 178.8 million bags (+2%) and demand at 173.9 million bags (+1.3%), keeping prices elevated due to low stocks.

Author: Qahwa World – Brasília | Source: Conab, Cecafé, MDIC, USDA | Date: May 26, 2026

Falling Inventories and Trade Tensions Revive Momentum in Coffee Prices

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Qahwa World – Qahwa World

Coffee prices rose on Wednesday as shrinking ICE inventories and ongoing trade tensions between the United States and Brazil brought renewed momentum to the global coffee market.

December Arabica coffee (KCZ25) closed up +2.80 (+0.72%), while January Robusta coffee (RMF26) finished +145 (+3.25%) higher.

ICE-monitored Arabica inventories fell to a 1.5-year low of 446,475 bags, while Robusta stocks dropped to a 3.25-month low of 6,111 lots. This sharp decline follows the 50% tariffs imposed by the United States on imports of Brazilian coffee, prompting many American buyers to cancel new contracts. Brazil typically supplies about one-third of the U.S. unroasted coffee, tightening domestic supply.

Earlier this week, forecasts of rain in Brazil temporarily pressured prices. Meteorological agency Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais—the country’s largest Arabica-producing state—received only 0.3 mm of rainfall in the week ending October 24, or just 1% of the historical average. While upcoming rainfall could ease dry conditions, concerns remain about the impact on the critical flowering period for the 2026/27 crop.

Speculation is also mounting that the United States may lift tariffs on Brazilian coffee. Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he had a “surprisingly good” meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, adding that a “definitive solution” on trade could be reached within days.

Last week, Arabica coffee prices hit an 8.5-month high amid fears that prolonged drought in Brazil’s growing regions could threaten the 2026/27 harvest. According to Bloomberg’s Brazil Weather Analysis, Minas Gerais has received only 70% of its average monthly rainfall over the past month.

Prices also gained support after the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) raised the probability of a La Niña weather pattern to 71% between October and December, a development that could intensify dry conditions across Brazil and further impact production.

Meanwhile, Robusta coffee faced pressure from an increase in Vietnamese supply. Vietnam’s National Statistics Office reported that coffee exports rose 10.9% year-on-year between January and September 2025 to 1.23 million metric tons. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa) forecasts that 2025/26 coffee production could rise 10% if weather conditions remain favorable, reaching 1.76 MMT (29.4 million bags) — a four-year high.

At the global level, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that world coffee exports for the current marketing year (October–August) increased 0.2% year-on-year to 127.92 million bags, indicating adequate global supply.

In Brazil, crop forecasting agency Conab revised its 2025 Arabica coffee crop estimate down by 4.9% to 35.2 million bags, while lowering its total coffee production estimate by 0.9% to 55.2 million bags.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), global coffee production for 2025/26 is projected to increase 2.5% year-on-year to a record 178.68 million bags, with Arabica output expected to decline 1.7% to 97.02 million bags and Robusta production to rise 7.9% to 81.66 million bags. Brazil’s output is projected to increase 0.5% to 65 million bags, while Vietnam’s could grow 6.9% to 31 million bags.

Global ending stocks are forecast to rise 4.9% to 22.82 million bags, compared with 21.75 million bags in 2024/25.

Global Coffee Prices Fall as U.S.–Brazil Trade Talks Raise Hopes for Tariff Relief

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New York – Qahwa World

Coffee prices continued to decline on Monday as traders reacted to signs of a possible breakthrough in trade negotiations between the United States and Brazil. The downward movement follows a volatile week in which arabica and robusta futures hit multi-month highs before retreating sharply.

Market optimism grew after Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced that his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Malaysia, was “surprisingly good.” Lula hinted that both nations were close to finding a “definitive solution” on trade within days. This development has raised expectations that the heavy tariffs imposed on Brazilian exports, including coffee, could soon be eased.

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, has been significantly affected by the 50 % tariffs placed on its coffee shipments to the U.S. earlier this year. The duties have disrupted the normal flow of beans to American buyers, forcing many roasters to look for alternative suppliers. As a result, coffee inventories monitored by ICE have dropped to their lowest levels in over a year — arabica stocks fell to 447,773 bags and robusta holdings slipped to just over 6,000 lots. Since nearly one-third of the U.S. coffee supply comes from Brazil, any shift in trade policy could have immediate effects on American imports and retail prices.

Even as the diplomatic news eased some pressure, weather conditions in Brazil continue to concern the market. Somar Meteorologia reported that the main arabica-producing state of Minas Gerais received only 0.3 millimeters of rain in the week ending October 24 — about 1 % of its normal rainfall. The Bloomberg Brazil Weather Analysis confirmed that rainfall across the region has been about 30 % below average for the past month, fueling fears that prolonged dryness could reduce flowering and affect the 2026/27 crop yield.

Meanwhile, Vietnam’s coffee sector, the world’s largest producer of robusta, is showing the opposite trend. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association expects production in 2025/26 to increase by 10 % year-on-year if favorable weather continues. Official statistics show that the country exported 1.23 million metric tons between January and September 2025 — up 10.9 % from a year earlier — and total output for the upcoming season is projected to reach 1.76 million tons, equivalent to 29.4 million bags. This would mark Vietnam’s most productive season in four years and continue to weigh on robusta prices.

The International Coffee Organization also reported that global coffee exports from October to August rose slightly by 0.2 % to 127.9 million bags, suggesting that the overall supply remains sufficient despite regional challenges. In Brazil, crop forecasting agency Conab cut its 2025 arabica estimate in September by 4.9 % to 35.2 million bags, bringing total coffee production for the year to 55.2 million bags.

At the global level, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS) projects total coffee production for 2025/26 to reach 178.7 million bags — a 2.5 % increase year-on-year. Arabica output is expected to fall 1.7 % to 97 million bags, while robusta is forecast to grow 7.9 % to 81.6 million bags. Ending stocks are likely to rise nearly 5 % to 22.8 million bags, signaling more comfortable supply conditions heading into 2026.

However, climate factors may quickly change that outlook. The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised the probability of a La Niña event to 71 % for the period between October and December. If it materializes, it could lead to drier-than-usual conditions across Brazil’s coffee-growing regions, threatening future yields.

For now, the coffee market remains pulled between political progress and environmental risk. The possibility of a U.S.–Brazil trade agreement could restore smoother coffee flows to the United States and ease supply constraints, but persistent drought conditions in South America and growing output in Southeast Asia continue to shape global price trends. Traders are watching both developments closely as the market searches for direction in the final quarter of 2025.

Rain Forecasts in Brazil Pressure Arabica Coffee Prices Despite Tight Global Supply

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Arabica coffee prices fell sharply on Thursday as forecasts of much-needed rainfall in Brazil’s key coffee-growing regions eased concerns about prolonged dryness that had recently pushed prices higher. Meanwhile, robusta prices edged up, supported by steady demand and limited inventories.

On the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE), December arabica (KCZ25) closed down –7.85 cents (–2.04%) at 297.05 U.S. cents per pound, while November robusta (RMX25) gained +26 points (+0.57%), reaching a three-week high.

Brazil Weather Outlook

According to Brazilian meteorological agency Climatempo, parts of Minas Gerais — the country’s largest arabica-producing region — could receive up to 30 millimeters of rain this week, a “significant amount” expected to promote flowering for the 2026/27 crop cycle. The prospect of rainfall led to profit-taking after recent price gains fueled by drought concerns.

Earlier this week, Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais received only 0.9 millimeters of rain during the week ended October 4 — just 3% of the historical average — raising fears of poor flowering and lower yields before these latest forecasts.

Inventory and Trade Developments

While weather news weighed on prices, global supply signals remained tight. ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 1.5-year low of 519,534 bags on Thursday, while robusta inventories hit a 2.5-month low of 6,237 lots. The sharp drawdown is partly linked to the 50% tariff on U.S. imports of Brazilian coffee, which has caused American buyers to void new contracts and tightened U.S. supplies. Brazil accounts for around one-third of America’s unroasted coffee imports.

At the same time, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported that global coffee exports for the current marketing year (Oct–Aug) rose by 0.2% year on year to 127.92 million bags, indicating adequate supply in the short term but little room for further tightening.

Production and Export Trends

Brazil’s crop forecaster Conab recently revised down its 2025 arabica crop estimate by 4.9% to 35.2 million bags (from 37 million in May) and cut total coffee output to 55.2 million bags (from 55.7 million). Meanwhile, Cecafé, the Brazilian exporters’ association, said coffee shipments fell 21% in the first seven months of the year to 22.2 million bags and plunged 28% in July alone.

In contrast, Vietnam — the world’s largest producer of robusta — is seeing strong growth. The Vietnam National Statistics Office reported that coffee exports from January to September 2025 rose 10.9% to 1.23 million metric tons, with the 2025/26 harvest expected to increase 6% to 1.76 million tons (29.4 million bags), a four-year high.

Global Outlook

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) forecasts global coffee production in 2025/26 to reach a record 178.68 million bags, up 2.5% year on year. Within that total, arabica output is expected to decline 1.7% to 97.02 million bags, while robusta is projected to rise 7.9% to 81.65 million bags. Ending stocks are forecast to increase by 4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

However, trader Volcafe projects a global arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags for 2025/26 — wider than the 5.5 million bag deficit in 2024/25 — marking the fifth consecutive year of shortfall.

Adding to market uncertainty, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) on September 16 raised the probability of a La Niña event between October and December to 71%. Such conditions can cause dry weather in South America and potentially damage Brazil’s next coffee crop, maintaining a tense balance between short-term relief and long-term risk.

Market Summary

For now, traders remain focused on Brazil’s rainfall patterns and their impact on flowering and yields. If forecasted rains fail to materialize, a renewed price rebound could follow as concerns about crop development resurface. Conversely, consistent rainfall in October could alleviate some supply pressures and bring temporary stability to arabica prices.

Tightening ICE Stocks Push Coffee Futures Higher

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Global coffee futures climbed as stocks registered on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) continued to shrink, tightening availability and pushing traders to reprice risk. December Arabica (KCZ25) rose about 1.78%, while November Robusta (RMX25) gained roughly 1.9%, reflecting increased buying interest across both contracts.

The market has been reacting to a notable decline in ICE-tracked inventories: Arabica holdings dropped to roughly 534,665 bags, a low not seen in about 18 months, and Robusta balances fell to near 6,237 lots, the lowest in a few months. A major contributor to tighter U.S. supplies has been new trade barriers: a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee imports has prompted some American buyers to cancel or delay contracts, and because Brazil supplies about one-third of U.S. unroasted coffee, the effect has been pronounced.

Weather worries have compounded supply concerns. Key Arabica zones in Brazil — notably Minas Gerais — received barely measurable rainfall in early October, raising alarms about the crop’s flowering stage for 2026/27. Forecasters have also increased the odds of a La Niña episode through the October–December window, a pattern that can bring drier conditions to Brazil and add further downside pressure to yields.

Still, the global picture contains mixed signals. The International Coffee Organization reported a small year-on-year rise in exports for the current marketing window, pointing to continuing flows of coffee around the world. At the same time, Vietnam’s strong Robusta shipments — up double digits year-to-date — are helping keep robusta markets supplied.

Brazilian crop agencies and exporters have trimmed recent estimates or recorded export slowdowns: domestic forecasts for Arabica output have been revised lower and export volumes in some months have fallen sharply from year-earlier levels. Conversely, U.S. Department of Agriculture outlooks point to a modest increase in total world production for 2025/26, driven largely by a stronger Robusta harvest, while some trade houses continue to flag an Arabica shortfall.

The interplay of shrinking registered stocks, tariff-driven trade shifts and weather risks leaves prices vulnerable to swings — and keeps market attention trained on inventories, crop forecasts and buyer behavior in the coming weeks.

Coffee Prices Retreat on Rain Forecasts for Brazil

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Dubai –  Qahwa World

Coffee prices fell for the second consecutive day on Tuesday as forecasts pointed to rain across key coffee-growing regions in Brazil, easing previous concerns over dry conditions.

December arabica coffee (KCZ25) closed down 1.56% at –5.95, while November ICE robusta (RMX25) slipped 1.27% to –57. According to Climatempo, rainfall is expected to spread from São Paulo to Minas Gerais this week, with some regions receiving over 30 mm of precipitation — a welcome relief for farmers during the critical flowering stage of the 2026/27 crop.

The decline follows Monday’s report from the International Coffee Organization (ICO) showing that global coffee exports between October 2024 and August 2025 rose 0.2% year-on-year to 127.92 million bags, signaling abundant global supply.

Robusta prices also faced pressure from Vietnam, where the National Statistics Office reported that coffee exports from January to September 2025 surged 10.9% to 1.23 million metric tons (MMT), reinforcing supply-driven headwinds.

Just days earlier, coffee prices had hit two-week highs on worries about dry weather in Brazil. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais — the nation’s largest arabica region — received only 0.9 mm of rain in the week ending October 4, representing just 3% of the historical average.

Adding to the market’s complexity, U.S. tariffs on Brazilian imports have tightened supply in the American market. The 50% tariff, imposed earlier this year, has led to a sharp drawdown in ICE-monitored inventories, with arabica stocks dropping to a 1.5-year low of 534,665 bags, and robusta stocks to a 2.5-month low of 6,293 lots. Roughly one-third of unroasted coffee consumed in the U.S. originates from Brazil, intensifying the domestic supply strain.

Meanwhile, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) raised the likelihood of a La Niña event in the southern hemisphere to 71% for October–December 2025, potentially signaling drier conditions in Brazil later this year.

Brazil’s national crop forecasting agency Conab recently trimmed its 2025 arabica estimate by 4.9%, down to 35.2 million bags, and revised its total coffee production forecast to 55.2 million bags — a modest decrease from 55.7 million in May.

Earlier, Cecafé, Brazil’s coffee exporters’ council, reported that the country’s July exports fell 28% to 2.7 million bags, bringing total shipments for January–July 2025 down 21% year-on-year to 22.2 million bags.

On the other hand, Vietnam — the world’s largest producer of robusta — is expected to harvest a 4-year-high crop of 1.76 MMT (29.4 million bags) in the 2025/26 season, up 6% year-on-year.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projects global coffee production for 2025/26 to grow 2.5% year-on-year to a record 178.68 million bags, driven by a 7.9% increase in robusta output to 81.66 million bags, while arabica output is forecast to decline 1.7% to 97.02 million bags. FAS expects ending stocks to climb 4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

Despite these figures, Volcafe foresees a global arabica deficit of 8.5 million bags for 2025/26 — the fifth consecutive year of shortage — widening from 5.5 million bags last season.