Vietnam coffee exports are off to a powerful start in 2025, demonstrating strong resilience despite global market volatility. According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, as of March 15, the country exported 406,637 tons of coffee. Generating an impressive USD 2.28 billion in export revenue. While export volume declined by 18% compared to the same period in 2024, the total export value rose by 41%, marking a significant breakthrough for the Vietnamese coffee sector.
Export Prices Fuel Revenue Growth
The substantial increase in value is largely due to rising export prices. In Q1 2025, the average export price of Robusta coffee reached USD 5,614 per ton, representing a 73% increase year-over-year. This sharp price hike is a key driver behind the unexpected performance of Vietnam coffee exports. Reinforcing the sector’s strategic importance in the global supply chain.
Vietnam Aims for $8 Billion Milestone in 2025
The Vietnam Coffee – Cocoa Association (Vicofa) projects that coffee export revenues for the first quarter alone could hit USD 2.8 billion. Should current pricing trends continue, total Vietnam coffee exports for 2025 could reach a historic USD 8 billion, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Such growth opens up immense opportunities for Vietnam to redefine its position in the international coffee market, especially as the country continues to be one of the top global suppliers of Robusta beans.
Temporary Factors Behind the Coffee Price Surge
Despite the encouraging export figures, industry experts warn that the recent surge in coffee prices may not be sustainable over the long term. According to the Vietnam Coffee – Cocoa Association (Vicofa), several temporary factors are driving the current spike. Notably, the United States has accelerated its coffee imports amid growing concerns about potential tariffs on beans imported from Latin America and North America. At the same time, extreme weather conditions have disrupted global coffee production, leading to a significant reduction in supply. Additionally, shortages in key producing regions have added upward pressure on prices. While these developments offer short-term benefits for Vietnam’s coffee export revenue, they also highlight the pressing need for the industry to adopt a more resilient and forward-looking strategy to ensure sustainable growth in the years ahead.
A Call for Strategic Transformation
According to Mr. Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of Vicofa, Vietnam’s coffee exports are still heavily reliant on raw beans. This limits the value-added potential of the sector. To meet long-term targets — including the goal of reaching USD 10 billion in export value — the industry must adopt a strategic transformation.
Key pillars for sustainable growth:
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Developing value-added processed coffee products
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Improving quality grading and classification systems
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Building and promoting a national coffee brand
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Strengthening global marketing and brand visibility
Innovation and Branding: The Future of Vietnam Coffee Exports
Beyond production, embracing technology, optimizing supply chain efficiency, and focusing on sustainability will be essential. Vietnam has the opportunity to transition from a quantity-driven model to a quality-focused, branded industry with global recognition.
