Vietnam coffee exports reach US$4.78 billion in H1 despite falling prices

VIETNAM – Vietnam exported approximately 1.1 million tonnes of coffee worth US$4.78 billion during the first half of 2026, as higher shipment volumes failed to offset the impact of declining global coffee prices, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. 

In June alone, the country exported around 150,000 tonnes of coffee valued at US$552.6 million. Export volumes during the January-June period increased by 9.7 percent compared with the same period last year, while export value declined by 14.4 percent, reflecting lower average selling prices. 

The ministry reported that the average export price fell by 22 percent year-on-year to approximately US$4,435 per tonne, signalling that the price advantage enjoyed during the 2024-2025 period is gradually diminishing. 

Vietnam’s leading export markets also recorded weaker returns. Germany remained the largest importer of Vietnamese coffee, accounting for 14.1 percent of total exports, followed by Italy with 7.9 percent and the United States with 6.9 percent.  

However, export values to these three markets declined by 21.7 percent, 9.6 percent and 2.2 percent, respectively, during the first five months of the year. 

China emerged as the strongest-performing market, with export value surging by 70.7 percent, representing the highest growth among Vietnam’s 15 largest coffee importers. The increase highlighted growing opportunities in emerging markets despite weaker demand from traditional destinations. 

Domestically, coffee prices have recovered to above VND90,000 per kilogram after several weeks of fluctuations, prompting some farmers to resume sales. However, trading activity remains cautious due to limited remaining inventories. 

The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (Vicofa) said Brazil’s expanding production is driving the increase in global coffee supply, while worldwide consumption has grown only modestly in recent years.  

The association warned that the supply expansion is expected to place further downward pressure on international coffee prices, particularly for robusta coffee, Vietnam’s principal export variety. 

Vicofa also cautioned that achieving this year’s export revenue target will be difficult as prices continue to soften and export volumes typically decline during the second half of the year. 

Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of Vinh Hiep Co., Ltd, Thai Nhu Hiep, said, “Increased coffee prices in recent years have greatly enhanced farmers’ livelihoods; however, this financial independence has made it more challenging to motivate them to engage in production linkages, adopt traceability systems, and adhere to sustainable farming practices.” 

Vicofa emphasized the need for the industry to shift from volume-driven growth toward higher-value exports by increasing shipments of certified sustainable coffee beans and expanding exports of roasted, instant and blended coffee products.  

The association also called for stronger trade promotion in China, Russia, South Korea, Algeria and Nordic countries while deepening partnerships with major retail chains across Asia and Europe. 

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