Vietnam’s coffee exports hit US$4.7B as global demand soars  

VIETNAM – Vietnam’s coffee export revenue surged to a record US$4.7 billion in the first five months of 2025, boosted by strong demand from key markets and soaring global prices, according to Vietnam Customs.  

Despite a marginal 0.6% dip in export volume during the period, the value climbed by 62.3% year-on-year, thanks to elevated average prices of US$5,709 per tonne — up 63.2% from the previous year. 

In May alone, Vietnam exported nearly 149,000 tonnes of coffee, marking a 60.5% increase in volume and more than double the value compared to the same month in 2024. 

The European Union remained Vietnam’s largest coffee market, importing over 367,000 tonnes worth US$2 billion. This represented a 10.2% growth in volume and an 81.9% jump in value.  

The United States also recorded significant gains, with imports rising by 6.3% to 54,310 tonnes and value increasing by 72.4% to US$299 million. 

Vietnam also expanded exports to emerging markets. Shipments to Algeria doubled, while those to Mexico and South Africa increased by 39 times and 17 times, respectively. 

Despite these gains, industry analysts have raised concerns over global price volatility. Robusta coffee futures on the London market closed at US$4,409 per tonne on June 11, reflecting a 15.6% drop from the previous month, attributed to rising output from other major producing countries.  

Nonetheless, Vietnam’s trade department remains optimistic, projecting the country’s full-year coffee export value to reach US$7 billion. Vietnam earned US$5.4 billion from coffee exports in 2024. 

Kenya launches women-led coffee revival program

Meanwhile, in Kenya’s Nandi County, Woman Representative Cynthia Muge has unveiled the second phase of the “Kahawa na Mama” coffee farming initiative, which aims to revive local coffee production while promoting rural women’s financial independence. 

The program, which is structured around four pillars — women’s economic empowerment, agricultural revival, grassroots self-reliance, and environmental sustainability — was launched in 2023.  

In its pilot year, it distributed 150,000 certified Ruiru 11 and Batian seedlings to 900 women in 63 self-help groups.  

The current phase adds 500,000 seedlings, bringing the total to over 650,000 and benefiting nearly 4,000 women. 

Six sub-counties are participating, with Nandi Hills leading in engagement. Over 1,000 women in the area have received training and planting materials through the program. 

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