Ethiopia and Brazil Lead Coffee Export Growth in 2024 Amid Mixed Global Trends
The global coffee export landscape in 2024 showcased a mix of growth and challenges, as highlighted in the International Coffee Organization’s (ICO) December 2024 report. While some regions like Africa and South America experienced notable growth, others, including Asia & Oceania, faced significant declines.
African Coffee Exports: Ethiopia Steals the Spotlight
Africa emerged as a strong performer in 2024, with coffee exports increasing by 24.5% to 1.28 million bags in November compared to 1.03 million bags in November 2023. Ethiopia spearheaded this growth with an impressive 86.24% increase, exporting 0.54 million bags in November, up from 0.29 million bags during the same period in 2023. This marks 12 consecutive months of growth for Ethiopia, largely attributed to the resolution of logistical and contractual challenges from previous years.
Other African countries also contributed to this robust performance:
- Kenya: Exports surged by 70.0% to 0.05 million bags.
- Tanzania: Recorded a 50.3% increase to 0.12 million bags.
South America: Brazil Leads the Charge
South America’s coffee exports grew by 6.0% to 6.43 million bags in November 2024, with Brazil playing a pivotal role. The region’s largest exporter increased its shipments by 7.8%, reaching 4.68 million bags, up from 4.34 million bags in November 2023. This growth was driven primarily by Arabica exports, which rose by 12.2% to 3.77 million bags.
However, not all countries in the region fared equally well. While Colombia saw an 8.6% increase in exports, reaching 1.21 million bags, Peru faced a 13.4% decline, with exports dropping to 0.49 million bags due to depleted stocks and supply pressures.
Asia & Oceania: Declining Exports Led by Vietnam
Asia & Oceania’s coffee exports fell by 12.0% to 2.76 million bags in November 2024, with Vietnam’s sharp 47.1% decrease being a major contributing factor. Vietnam’s exports dropped to 1.08 million bags, marking the lowest November volume since 2010. Falling domestic green bean prices and near-zero stock availability contributed to this decline.
Conversely, India and Indonesia offset some of the regional downturn:
- India: Exports rose by 70.5% to 0.74 million bags.
- Indonesia: Recorded a 59.3% increase, shipping 0.77 million bags.
Mixed Global Dynamics
The report underscores the complex and varied trends in coffee exports:
- Robusta Decline: Global Robusta exports fell by 17.3%, influenced heavily by Vietnam’s downturn.
- Arabica Growth: Arabica exports now account for 67.9% of global green bean exports, up from 61.4% in 2023.
Looking Forward
As the global coffee market navigates a landscape of mixed growth, key players like Ethiopia and Brazil are setting the pace for recovery and expansion. Meanwhile, regions facing challenges, such as Vietnam, will need strategic adjustments to stabilize their export volumes. The ICO’s December 2024 report highlights a dynamic year for coffee exports, reflecting both resilience and volatility in the global market.
