Author: Qahwa World – Bogota

Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service – Report CO2026-0008
Date: May 20, 2026

Colombia Coffee Output Rises 7.2% in 2026

The USDA Foreign Agricultural Service office in Bogota forecasts Colombian coffee production for marketing year 2026/2027 to reach 13.4 million 60 kg bags, an increase of 7.2% from the previous year. This growth is mainly attributed to favorable dry conditions after years of heavy rainfall.

Colombia is transitioning from La Niña, which caused excessive precipitation, to a strong El Niño expected after mid 2026.

Despite concerns about El Niño affecting crops, coffee plants tolerate water stress and high temperatures, especially when grown in soils with good moisture retention. Historically, coffee production performs better during El Niño events than during La Niña. To achieve this production level, the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (Fedecafe) recommended proper fertilization, weed management to conserve soil moisture, efficient harvesting, and establishing temporary shade cover using appropriate plant species.

Production Drop in 2025/2026 Due to Heavy Rains

For marketing year 2025/2026, USDA estimates a 9.4% decline in production to 12.5 million bags compared to the previous estimate. This drop is due to excessive rainfall in coffee growing regions, which negatively affected flowering and bean development. Continuous rainfall prevents the water deficit necessary for flower induction, causes premature flower fall, and increases the incidence of coffee leaf rust due to high humidity.

The phytosanitary survey conducted by Cenicafe in January 2026 showed that the national average incidence of coffee leaf rust reached 4.5%, up from 3.9% in October 2025, but it remains within phytosanitary control levels. Coffee berry borer infestation reached 1.6% nationally, below the economic damage threshold of 2%. Notably, 87% of Colombia’s coffee area is planted with rust resistant varieties, up from only 35% in 2010.

Lower Prices Encourage Farm Renovation

Local coffee prices depend on the New York international price and the Colombian peso to US dollar exchange rate. Since late 2025, prices have decreased due to global optimism about coffee production and a lower exchange rate. As of February 2026, coffee prices stood at 2,174,143 Colombian pesos per 125 kg bag, 30% lower than the same period a year earlier.

Labor costs account for about 70% of coffee production expenses. These costs have risen due to a minimum wage increase of more than 20%, plus higher fertilizer costs resulting from the Middle East conflict. The sector also suffers from labor shortages as workers move to urban areas for more profitable employment.

However, lower prices create a strategic window for farm renovation. When prices are high, producers maximize harvest from existing trees. When prices fall, the opportunity cost of renovation declines, and long term returns from rejuvenated trees become more attractive.

Exports, Imports and Stocks

USDA forecasts exports for 2026/2027 at 13.4 million bags, an increase of 4.6% from the previous year. Colombia exports coffee to more than 40 countries. The United States remains the top destination with over 40% market share, followed by the European Union, Canada, and Japan. From October 2025 to February 2026, exports to the United States, Japan, and South Korea increased more than 6% year on year.

In contrast, imports for 2026/2027 are forecast to fall 18% to 2.0 million bags as domestic production recovers. For 2025/2026, imports were estimated at 2.4 million bags due to lower domestic production and higher demand for lower quality coffee from Brazil, Peru, and Ecuador to fulfill soluble coffee export commitments. Colombia mainly imports green coffee (84.1%), followed by soluble coffee (15.7%), and roasted coffee (0.2%).

Ending stocks are forecast to fall 22.6% to 670,000 bags in 2026/2027, due to higher exports and lower imports despite improved production.

Table 1: Colombia Coffee Production, Supply and Distribution (1,000 60 kg bags)

Item	2024/2025 Official	2025/2026 Estimate	2026/2027 Forecast
Total Production	14,800	12,500	13,400
Total Imports	980	2,404	2,004
Total Exports	13,380	12,810	13,400
Domestic Consumption	2,150	2,200	2,200
Ending Stocks	918	866	670

Domestic Consumption and Government Policies

Domestic coffee consumption is forecast to remain stable at 2.2 million bags in 2026/2027. Despite expected moderate improvements in economic activity, high inflation (6.3% in 2026) and high coffee prices limit growth. Per capita coffee consumption in Colombia is about 3.08 kg per year, which is relatively low compared to more than 6 kg in most producing countries.

Fedecafe continues to promote domestic consumption through its campaign “Look for the Colombian Coffee Quality Triangle”. The triangular “Cafe de Colombia” logo guarantees 100% Colombian origin coffee, and about 850 brands use it. The government also enacted Law 2504 of 2025, which declares coffee the national beverage, promotes its consumption, and allows public entities to purchase national coffee and include it in food programs.

In April 2024, the Coffee Price Stabilization Fund Committee established the Coffee Income Compensation Mechanism (MECIC 2024). This mechanism provides direct financial support to growers when the rolling average domestic price falls below the average production cost. It has not been activated yet because prices have remained above the reference cost.

EU Deforestation Regulation Compliance

Colombian coffee producers are actively implementing traceability measures to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) 2023/1115. Colombia exports more than 20% of its coffee production to the EU. The compliance deadline is December 30, 2025 for medium and large companies, and June 30, 2026 for micro and small enterprises.

According to Fedecafe, nearly 90% of Colombian coffee lots already comply with the EU regulation. The federation has trained producers on the new legal requirements and created a geospatial platform that allows users to map their farm coordinates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author: Qahwa World – Bogota | Source: USDA Foreign Agricultural Service – Report CO2026-0008 | Date: May 20, 2026