Vietnam’s Robusta Coffee Exports Surge to Record High on Strong EU and US Demand
June 15 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
Vietnam’s coffee exports achieved an unprecedented milestone in the first five months of this year, reaching a historic value of $4.7 billion. This remarkable 62.3% year-on-year surge was fueled by soaring global prices and robust demand from key markets, notably the European Union and the United States. According to customs data, while export volume experienced a marginal dip of 0.6%, the average price skyrocketed by 63.2% to $5,709 per ton, underscoring a potent value-over-volume trend.
The momentum accelerated sharply in May alone, with shipments totaling 149,000 tons valued at $860 million—a striking 60.5% increase in volume and a 120% surge in value compared to the same period last year.
The European Union solidified its position as Vietnam’s largest coffee destination, importing 367,000 tons worth $2 billion—a 10.2% volume rise and an 81.9% value leap year-on-year. Similarly, the United States recorded sharp growth, with imports climbing 6.3% in volume (54,310 tons) and 72.4% in value ($299 million).
Beyond these established markets, Vietnam’s coffee exports witnessed explosive gains in emerging economies. Shipments to Algeria doubled, while exports to Mexico surged 39-fold and those to South Africa jumped 17-fold, highlighting rapidly diversifying global appetites for Vietnamese robusta.
Despite this impressive performance, Vietnam’s coffee sector faces mounting headwinds. Global policy uncertainties and a downward price trajectory threaten future stability. Analysts warn that increasing supplies from major producers are pressuring international markets. By June 11, robusta futures in London had retreated to $4,409 per ton, a 15.6% monthly drop, while arabica futures in New York fell 8.4%.
Domestically, coffee prices in Vietnam’s Central Highlands—the country’s coffee heartland—plunged to VND 112,000 ($4.3) per kilogram, their lowest since November and a 12% decline. The Ministry of Industry and Trade’s Import-Export Department attributes this dip to new harvest seasons in Brazil and Indonesia. The USDA forecasts Brazil’s 2025-26 crop to grow 0.5% to 65 million bags, while Vietnam’s output is projected to rise 6.9% to 31 million bags.
Despite these challenges, Vietnam’s full-year export outlook remains decidedly positive. The Import-Export Department projects 2025 exports to reach $7 billion, a significant jump from 2024’s $5.4 billion. This optimism reflects confidence in sustained demand and Vietnam’s strategic position in the global robusta market, even as stakeholders navigate price fluctuations and heightened competition.