Coffee Export 2023: Market Momentum

Global Coffee Export Market Landscape

In global trade, Coffee is primarily tracked under HS Code 0901, covering unroasted coffee beans—a high-volume soft commodity critical to global agricultural trade. As a consumption-driven product, it fuels retail, hospitality, and processing industries worldwide, with pricing heavily influenced by supply concentration and weather conditions in key producing regions.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global coffee exports showed resilience in 2023, with total value peaking at $2.46B in June before moderating to $1.74B by December. Brazil and Vietnam drove volume, despite monthly fluctuations in trade flows.
• Geographic Power: Supply is highly concentrated—Brazil, Vietnam, and Colombia control 60%+ of exports—while demand is fragmented across affluent markets like the US, Germany, and Japan. Trade flows skew Global South to North, with Brazil wielding pricing leverage.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is dominated by giants—top-tier exporters (e.g., SKN Caribecafe, Olam) hold 90%+ of export value, leaving buyers with limited negotiation power. Bulk movers and retail players fill niche volume gaps.

Global Coffee Export Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Global Coffee exports demonstrated strong performance in 2023, underpinned by robust shipments from leading producers like Brazil and Vietnam [World Bank].

• Aggregate Performance: The sector showed resilience with significant total export value, despite notable monthly fluctuations in both value and volume.
• Period Dynamics: Exports climbed from $1.25B in January, peaked at $2.46B in June, and settled at $1.74B in December, reflecting dynamic market conditions.

Table: Coffee Export Trend in 2023 Whole Year

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Coffee Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Brazil dominates supply with 30.50% global export value share ($7.43B), establishing strong pricing influence.
• Market structure is consolidated: Top 3 exporters (Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia) hold over 60% of global export value.
• Vietnam is the key challenger: Ranked #2 by value ($4.30B) and leads in quantity shipped (593.37M units), pressuring Brazil's volume position.
• Colombia and Peru solidify South American hub status: Colombia (#3, $3.05B) and Peru (#4, $1.59B) represent significant high-value production.

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• United States and Germany are primary buyers: US leads imports ($3.86B, 15.85% share), followed by Germany ($1.93B, 7.92%).
• Demand is consumption-driven: Top importers (US, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland) are affluent consumer markets, not processing hubs.
• Russia emerges as notable buyer: Ranked #3 importer by value ($1.41B), indicating growing consumption demand beyond traditional Western markets.
• European demand is fragmented: Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium, and Spain all feature in top 10, showing diversified regional consumption.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Balance: Highly concentrated supply (led by Brazil) meets fragmented global demand across multiple developed economies.
• Geographic Flow: Clear movement from Global South producers (Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru, Ethiopia) to Global North consumers (US, EU, Japan).
• Key Takeaway: Pricing power leans towards major exporters, particularly Brazil, due to supply concentration and consistent high-value demand from wealthy nations.

Table: Global Coffee Export —— Top Destination Countries

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Table: Global Coffee Export —— Top origin Countries

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Global Coffee Export Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Highly Consolidated: Dominators (38.78% of shipments) control 63.38% of export value. Bulk Movers add 26.83% value share. Top 2 clusters hold 90.21% of total export value.
• Operational Split: High-Frequency shippers (Dominators + Retail/JIT) handle 71.63% of shipments but only 67.44% of value. Low-Frequency shippers (Bulk Movers + Niche) drive 28.37% of shipments but 32.55% of value.
• Buyer Implication: High reliance on Dominators (e.g., SKN Caribecafe, Intimex) and Bulk Movers (e.g., Olam Indonesia) for volume. Limited negotiation leverage against these giants. Retail/JIT players offer flexibility but low volume.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Dominators (45.01% shipments, 66.26% value) like Olam Americas demand frequent, high-volume shipments. Bulk Movers (12.08% shipments, 30.76% value) like Sucafina execute large, infrequent purchases.
• Market Tier: Dominated by giants. Dominators and Bulk Movers jointly control 97.02% of import value. Retail/JIT buyers (28.13% shipments) contribute only 0.88% value, indicating fragmented small players.

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Supplier Strategy: Target Dominator buyers (Olam Americas, RGC Coffee) for volume but expect price pressure. Bulk Movers (Sucafina, Mitsui) offer large spot opportunities.
• New Buyer Strategy: Secure contracts with Dominator exporters for stable supply. Use Bulk Movers (PT. Olam Indonesia) for backup inventory. Retail/JIT suppliers suit low-volume, flexible needs.
• Critical Risk: Over-dependence on top-tier exporters. Diversify into Bulk Movers to mitigate supply chain disruption from Dominators.

Table: Global Coffee Export —— Top Buyers

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Table: Global Coffee Export —— Top Suppliers

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Coffee?

The HS Code for coffee is 0901, covering both coffee beans (whether roasted or unroasted) and coffee husks.

Which country is the largest exporter of Coffee in 2023 Whole Year?

Brazil dominated global coffee exports in 2023, with shipments valued at $7.43B, solidifying its position as the top supplier.

Who are the top importers of Coffee in 2023 Whole Year?

The United States ($3.86B), Germany ($1.93B), and Russia ($1.41B) were the leading importers. The US and Germany serve as major consumption and processing hubs.

Who are the major suppliers and companies trading Coffee in 2023 Whole Year?

Key buyers include KONINKLIJKE DOUWE EGBERTS B.V ($573.97M) and A LA ORDEN ($443.60M). Top suppliers are OLAM AGRICOLA LTDA ($701.04M) and COOPERATIVA REGIONAL DE CAFEIC EM GUAXUPE LTDA ($596.24M).

Why do Coffee import rankings sometimes differ from export destination lists?

Trade asymmetries occur because exports report the intended destination (FOB value), while imports record the actual arrival (higher CIF value). Discrepancies also arise from trans-shipment hubs altering final destinations.

How to find reliable Coffee suppliers and exporters in 2023 Whole Year?

Access verified shipment records and active suppliers for HS Code 0901 via the yTrade database, which identifies partners in key regions like Brazil.