Coffee Import 2023: Market Volatility

Global Coffee Import Market Landscape

In global trade, Coffee is primarily tracked under HS Code 0901, covering unroasted coffee beans—a critical soft commodity serving as the foundation for the global coffee industry. As a highly traded agricultural product, it is sensitive to supply shocks from key producing regions and demand shifts in major consumer markets.

Strategic Insights

• Market Momentum: Global coffee imports in 2023 showed volatility, peaking at $2.46B in June before retreating to $1.74B by December. The mid-year surge highlighted strong trade momentum, though year-end contraction reflected supply chain adjustments.
• Geographic Power: Supply is monopolized by Brazil (30.5% export value), while demand is fragmented among wealthy consumer markets like the US (15.85%) and Germany (7.92%). Trade flows follow a clear South-to-North pattern.
• Supply Chain Structure: The market is highly consolidated, with top suppliers (Dominators and Bulk Movers) controlling 90.2% of export value. Buyers face limited flexibility outside these dominant players.

Global Coffee Import Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Global coffee imports demonstrated notable volatility in 2023, influenced by shifting supply dynamics from key producing regions [December 2023 Coffee Report and Outlook].

• Aggregate Performance: The market showed resilience, with total import value reaching substantial levels despite significant monthly fluctuations.
• Period Dynamics: Trade momentum was strong mid-year, climbing from $1.25B in January to a peak of $2.46B in June, before retreating to $1.74B by December.

Table: Coffee Import Trend in 2023 Whole Year

Get Coffee Data Latest Updates

Coffee Global Market Structure: Supply vs. Demand

Top Origin Countries & Production Hubs

• Brazil dominates supply, holding 30.50% global export value ($7.43B), establishing clear pricing influence.
• Supply is monopolistic: Brazil's value share exceeds 30%, with Vietnam (17.63%) and Colombia (12.53%) as challengers.
• Vietnam and Colombia drive volume: Lead in quantity shipped (17.96% and 18.88% respectively), pressuring Brazil's volume share (6.47%).

Top Destination Countries & Consumption Markets

• US and Germany are key buyers, leading imports with 15.85% ($3.86B) and 7.92% ($1.93B) value share respectively.
• Demand is consumption-driven: Top importers (US, Germany, Italy, Japan, Switzerland) are wealthy consumer markets, not processing hubs.
• Colombia is an outlier: Ranked 9th importer ($903.61M), likely for re-export or specialty blending.

Supply-Demand Dynamics

• Concentrated supply meets diversified demand: Brazil's supply dominance contrasts with fragmented import markets (US holds 15.85% value share).
• Flow is South to North: Major producers (Brazil, Vietnam, Colombia, Peru) supply developed consumers (US, EU, Japan).
• Pricing power sits with exporters: Brazil's overwhelming supply share grants it leverage over numerous fragmented buyers.

Table: Global Coffee Import —— Top Destination Countries

Check Coffee Import Detailed Country Profile

Table: Global Coffee Import —— Top origin Countries

Check Coffee Import Detailed Country Profile

Global Coffee Import Analysis: Key Suppliers & Buyers

Suppliers Concentration & Strategy

• Power Center: Highly consolidated. Dominators (38.8% frequency, 63.4% value) and Bulk Movers (12.6% frequency, 26.8% value) control 90.2% of total export value.
• Operational Style: Mixed. Dominators drive high-frequency, high-volume trade. Bulk Movers add significant value through large, infrequent shipments. Low-Value High-Frequency players (32.9% frequency, only 4.1% value) are numerous but marginal in value.
• Risk/Opportunity: Buyers face heavy reliance on top suppliers. Limited flexibility exists outside Dominators/Bulk Movers. Low-Value High-Frequency suppliers offer volume but minimal value impact.

Oversea Buyers Procurement Patterns

• Procurement Behavior: Dominated by large-scale, frequent purchasing. Dominators (45% frequency, 66.3% value) handle 73.9% of quantity. Bulk Movers (12.1% frequency, 30.8% value) support major infrequent stockpiling.
• Market Tier: Driven by global giants. Dominators and Bulk Movers command 97% of import value. Low-Value clusters (High & Low Frequency) are numerous but handle only 3% combined value, indicating fragmented but insignificant SME activity.

Market Entry & Negotiation Strategy

• New Exporters: Target Dominator buyers for volume stability but expect tough terms due to their power. Bulk Mover buyers offer high-value spot opportunities but require capacity for large, irregular shipments.
• New Importers: Secure contracts with Dominator suppliers for reliability, accepting their scale-driven terms. Low-Value High-Frequency suppliers offer flexibility for smaller orders but lack volume capacity.
• General: Spot market potential is limited outside Bulk Mover transactions. Market entry requires aligning with dominant players' operational models.

Table: Global Coffee Import —— Top Buyers

Access Coffee Trade Company Profile

Table: Global Coffee Import —— Top Suppliers

Access Coffee Trade Company Profile

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the HS Code for Coffee?

The HS Code for Coffee is 0901, covering unroasted coffee beans, whether caffeinated or decaffeinated.

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

Brazil dominated as the top exporter, with shipments valued at $7.43B, reinforcing its role as the global supply leader.

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

The United States ($3.86B), Germany ($1.93B), and Russia ($1.41B) led imports. The U.S. and Germany serve as major consumption and processing hubs, respectively.

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 CAFEICULTORES EM GUAXUPE LTDA ($596.24M).

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

Trade asymmetries arise because export data uses FOB value (shipment origin), while imports use CIF value (final destination). Trans-shipments via hubs like the Netherlands can further misalign records.

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

Access verified shipment records, bill of lading details, and active suppliers (e.g., in Brazil) for HS Code 0901 using the yTrade database.