Vietnam Sets the Stage for a Record-Breaking Coffee Export Year

Dubai – Qahwa World

Vietnam has entered 2026 with remarkable momentum, signaling a potential record year for coffee exports. Early data from Vietnam Customs points to a rapid acceleration in shipments of green coffee, processed products, and various bean varieties, surpassing activity from the same period last year. Export values have also climbed sharply, solidifying coffee as one of Vietnam’s top agricultural earners and highlighting the country’s growing influence in the global coffee market.

The surge is driven not only by higher volumes but also by expanding international demand. Key markets, including Germany, Spain, Italy, Algeria, and Japan, have reported stronger imports in the early weeks of the year. Vietnam’s coffee is increasingly recognized across Europe, North Africa, and Asia as an essential supplier, with both import value and volume showing steady growth.

Within Vietnam’s export portfolio, robusta remains the backbone of the trade, generating substantial earnings. Arabica, though a smaller portion of production, has seen notable gains due to rising global interest in specialty origins and Vietnam’s strategic focus on diversifying its offerings. Meanwhile, processed coffee products are showing strong performance, reflecting a shift toward value-added exports. Industry experts view this as evidence that Vietnam is moving beyond commodity-based trade toward a more vertically integrated model capable of competing in premium markets.

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The strong start to 2026 builds on an already exceptional 2025, when Vietnam achieved its highest-ever coffee export volumes and revenues. The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association predicts that the current harvest could exceed these records, aided by improved growing conditions, increased investment in farm inputs, and higher market prices—all contributing to stronger yields and production potential.

International observers echo this optimism. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) projects substantial growth in Vietnam’s coffee production, citing farmers’ responsiveness to global price increases and enhanced crop management practices. USDA forecasts also point to rising exports across multiple categories, including roasted and soluble coffee, with Asian markets expected to drive significant demand.

According to the USDA’s December revision, Vietnam’s 2025/26 coffee exports are expected to reach 27.3 million bags GBE, up 8% from the previous year. Early customs data indicate actual shipments of green beans, roasted, and soluble coffee may already be higher, supported by increased sales to international tourists.

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Global trends, however, are shaping a more competitive landscape. Analysts warn that supply may increase across traditional coffee-producing regions, potentially pressuring prices. Vietnam’s efficiency, productivity, and diversified product offerings, along with investments in quality control and traceability, position its coffee sector to navigate these shifts with resilience.

Taken together, the early 2026 developments suggest Vietnam is entering a defining phase in its coffee-export story. Strong demand, recognition in global markets, expansion into processed coffee, and robust domestic and international support all point to a landmark year ahead. If these trends continue, Vietnam is poised to reinforce its position as a global coffee powerhouse while setting new benchmarks for high-volume, value-added exports.

Brazilian Coffee Becomes Brazil’s Top Export to Russia

Moscow – Qahwa World

Brazilian coffee exports to Russia have surged sharply in 2025, making coffee the country’s leading export commodity to the Russian market for the first time, surpassing soybeans. This was confirmed by Brazil’s Ambassador to Russia, Sergio Rodrigues dos Santos, who stated that coffee shipments are expected to grow by around 70% by the end of the year.

According to the ambassador, coffee has now taken the top position among Brazilian exports to Russia, a role previously held by soybeans. A key factor behind this shift is the expansion of coffee deliveries beyond green beans to include processed coffee products.

In an interview with TASS, dos Santos emphasized that Russia imports not only raw coffee beans from Brazil but also processed coffee, which carries higher added value. He noted that this is particularly important for Brazil, as it reflects a more advanced export structure and strengthens the quality of bilateral trade.

The rise of coffee exports comes alongside a significant decline in South American soybean supplies to Russia. Since the start of the season, soybean shipments have dropped by 63%, falling to approximately 150,000 tonnes — the lowest level on record. This decline has contributed to coffee emerging as Brazil’s leading export product to the Russian market.

During the first nine months of 2025, Vietnam, Brazil, and Indonesia were the main coffee suppliers to Russia. Vietnam remained the largest exporter by volume over this period, while Brazil continued to rapidly strengthen its position through strong growth in shipments.

Commenting on the global coffee market and rising prices, the ambassador said Brazil has already succeeded in increasing coffee exports to Russia compared with last year. As a result, coffee has replaced soybeans as the country’s number one export product to Russia.

Dos Santos also confirmed that coffee remains one of the key agricultural products Brazil aims to further expand in the Russian market. Alongside increasing volumes, Brazil is focusing on diversifying its coffee exports, particularly by supplying products with a higher level of processing.

In 2025, Brazilian coffee has thus marked a turning point in trade relations with Russia, establishing itself as Brazil’s leading export commodity and underscoring the growing strategic importance of coffee within bilateral trade.