This sharp rise in export prices is the main driver behind the surge in export value. From January to May, Vietnam exported over 835,000 tonnes of coffee, earning US$4.8 billion, a 0.9% increase in volume but a remarkable 65% jump in value year-on-year.

From the start of the 2024 - 2025 crop year, the country exported approximately 1.12 million tonnes of coffee, bringing in over US$6.3 billion. Although export volume decreased, the export value increased by 57.5% compared to the same period in the 2023–2024 crop year. This means Vietnam has already surpassed the previous record at over US$5 billion, as there is about one third of the crop year left.

Germany, Italy, and Spain remain Vietnam’s top three coffee importers, accounting for 16.5%, 8.1%, and 7.7% of total exports, respectively. In the first four months of this year alone, export value to Germany surged 97.6%, Italy 33.8%, and Spain 51.4% year-on-year.

Among the 15 largest export markets, Mexico saw the strongest growth, while exports to Indonesia dropped the most.

The Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association reports that high coffee prices reflect global trends, with supply tightening due to prolonged droughts in major producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam. Meanwhile, demand in key markets such as Europe, the US, and Asia continues to rise considerably.

Positive signals from Arabica exports

According to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO), global coffee bean exports in April 2025 dropped by 6.8% year-on-year to just 10.2 million bags.

While Vietnam is best known as the world’s largest exporter of Robusta, the Arabica variety, typically smaller in volume, has seen unexpected and significant growth in 2025.

Data from the US Department of Agriculture shows Vietnam produces about 1 million bags of Arabica each year (equivalent to 60,000 tonnes). In the first four months of this year, Arabica accounted for 7.5% of total coffee exports, nearly doubling from 4% in the same period last year. In contrast, Robusta's share fell from 82% to 78%.

Statistics show Vietnam exported approximately 43,700 tonnes of Arabica in the first four months, earning US$284 million - a 32% increase in volume and a 191% increase in value year-on-year. The average export price reached about US$6,500 per tonne, reflecting strong global price momentum.

This growth is fuelled by severe drought conditions in Brazil, the world’s top Arabica producer, leading to lower yields and inconsistent quality due to premature ripening and fruit drop. As a result, global Arabica prices have soared, opening up major opportunities for smaller exporters like Vietnam.

Vietnam’s coffee exports to Thailand surge in value despite volume decline

VOV.VN - A sharp surge in price has helped to boost Vietnam’s export value of coffee to Thailand despite a significant drop in volume, according to Vietnam Customs.