South Korea’s Coffee Imports Surge in 2014

Korean coffee drinkers have long fuelled a booming domestic café scene—but just how much coffee is actually entering the country? New 2014 data reveals a sharp rise in coffee imports, with volumes not seen since the 1990s. If you’ve ever wondered how global supply chains feed Korea’s caffeine habit, these numbers tell the full story.

In the first nine months of 2014, South Korea imported 99,372 tonnes of coffee—an 18.7% year-on-year increase. That surpassed the previous high of 92,040 tonnes during the same period in 2011. Import value also jumped 21.1% to US$382 million. These figures confirm a significant uptick in coffee supply to the Korean market.

Top Coffee Suppliers to South Korea in 2014

The majority of Korea’s coffee imports came from a few key countries. Vietnam was the largest supplier, exporting 23,686 tonnes to Korea. It was followed by Brazil (17,566 tonnes), Colombia (14,043 tonnes), Honduras (9,219 tonnes), and Peru (6,782 tonnes). Notably, Colombian coffee imports reached 14,043 tonnes—far exceeding the full-year total of 13,581 tonnes imported in 2013, marking a major surge.

Why Are Coffee Imports Rising in Korea?

Industry analysts point to two main drivers behind the sharp increase in coffee imports. First, the number of coffee chain stores across Korea has expanded rapidly in recent years, driving up demand for imported beans. Second, the Korea–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which took effect in 2012, reduced tariffs and facilitated greater coffee imports from the United States and other trading partners.

What’s Driving Coffee’s Continued Popularity?

Despite growing interest in health-focused alternatives, coffee remains a staple in Korean daily life. The market continues to see a rapid rise in both domestic and international coffee shop brands. While some consumers shift toward healthier beverages, the overall demand for coffee shows no signs of slowing down in the near future.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did South Korea import in 2014 (January to September)?

South Korea imported 99,372 tonnes of coffee between January and September 2014, marking an 18.7% increase compared to the same period the previous year.

Which country was the largest coffee supplier to South Korea in 2014?

Vietnam was the top coffee supplier to South Korea in 2014, providing 23,686 tonnes of coffee, making it the largest exporter to the country during that period.

Did coffee import values also increase in 2014?

Yes, the total value of coffee imports rose by 21.1% year-on-year, reaching US$382 million for the January to September 2014 period.

Why did Colombian coffee imports to Korea surge in 2014?

Colombian coffee imports reached 14,043 tonnes in 2014, far surpassing the 2013 full-year total of 13,581 tonnes, indicating a significant increase in demand and supply from Colombia.

What role did the Korea–US FTA play in coffee imports?

The Korea–US Free Trade Agreement, which took effect in 2012, reduced tariffs, which helped facilitate increased coffee imports, particularly from the United States and other FTA partner countries.

Is coffee still popular in Korea despite health trends?

Yes, despite more consumers focusing on health and exploring alternative beverages, coffee remains highly popular in Korea with no immediate signs of declining demand.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Korean-Style Brewing

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