Taiwan Drinks 21.7 Billion Cups of Fresh Coffee a Year

Taiwan’s coffee culture is no longer just a trend—it’s a daily ritual. Walk into any city street and you’ll see office workers clutching takeaway cups, often before 9 a.m. But behind the caffeine-fueled commute lies a striking figure: Taiwan now imports nearly twice as much coffee as it did half a decade ago. That surge in imports translates into an enormous number of cups consumed nationwide. So how much coffee are Taiwanese really drinking?

Each year, Taiwan consumes around 21.7 billion cups of freshly brewed coffee—that’s 94.3 cups per person—based on current import data and an assumed 10g dose per cup.

The Numbers Behind Taiwan’s Coffee Consumption

According to Taiwan’s Ministry of Finance Customs Administration, coffee bean imports have nearly doubled over the past five years. In 2023 alone, the country imported 21,700 metric tons of coffee beans. Assuming a standard 10-gram dose of coffee per brewed cup, that volume equates to approximately 21.7 billion cups of fresh coffee annually. Per capita, that works out to 94.3 cups per person per year. These numbers rise further when accounting for coffee-based mixed drinks like lattes or espresso tonics.

Import Growth: From Recession to Roast Boom

Customs data highlights a dramatic upward trend: between January and August 2023, Taiwan imported 15,500 tons of coffee beans—both roasted and green—compared to just 8,220 tons during the same period in 2008, the year of the global financial crisis. That’s an increase of nearly 89%, almost doubling in volume. In value terms, imports have surged even more sharply, from NT$985 million (about US$31 million) in 2008 to NT$2.23 billion (about US$70 million) in 2023—a 2.2-fold increase.

What’s Driving Coffee Import Diversity?

Not all coffee is created equal in price or profile. Industry insiders note significant variation in cost depending on origin, processing, and market demand. Standard commercial coffee beans typically sell for around NT$250 (US$8) per kilogram. In contrast, sought-after varieties such as Panama Geisha can command upwards of NT$2,000 (US$63) per kilogram. This rare coffee, grown at the Hacienda Esmeralda estate, gained fame for scoring perfect cupping scores and is celebrated for its complex floral aromas.

Despite the premium options, the most imported coffee in Taiwan remains Indonesia’s Mandheling, favored for its bold and savory flavor profile that strongly resonates with local palates. Meanwhile, Panama Geisha has seen rising popularity due to its distinctive taste and high reputation among specialty coffee enthusiasts.

The Shift Away from Instant Coffee

Another notable trend is the stagnation of instant coffee. While fresh coffee imports have climbed, soluble coffee and other coffee concentrate imports have remained nearly flat. Between 2018 and 2023, imports of these products hovered around 5,749 to 5,870 tons—a difference of less than 2%. The growing availability and marketing of freshly brewed coffee through convenience stores like FamilyMart and 7-Eleven have contributed to this shift, making freshly made coffee more accessible and preferred over instant alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many cups of coffee does Taiwan consume per year?

Taiwan consumes approximately 21.7 billion cups of freshly brewed coffee each year, based on coffee bean import data and an estimated 10g of coffee used per cup.

How many cups of coffee does the average person in Taiwan drink per year?

On average, each person in Taiwan drinks about 94.3 cups of freshly brewed coffee per year, calculated from total national consumption divided by population estimates.

What types of coffee beans does Taiwan import the most?

Indonesia’s Mandheling coffee beans are the most imported into Taiwan, favored for their strong, rich flavor. Panama Geisha beans are also increasingly popular due to their high quality and unique floral notes, though they remain a premium product.

Has instant coffee consumption in Taiwan increased recently?

No, imports of instant coffee and coffee concentrates have shown almost zero growth over the past five years, staying around 5,749 to 5,870 tons annually, indicating a preference shift toward freshly brewed coffee.

Why has coffee bean import volume in Taiwan nearly doubled?

Over the past five years, Taiwan’s coffee bean imports have nearly doubled due to rising domestic consumption, increased café culture, and greater accessibility of freshly brewed coffee, especially through convenience stores.

What is the price range for coffee beans imported into Taiwan?

Standard commercial coffee beans cost around NT$250 (US$8) per kilogram, while premium beans like Panama Geisha can exceed NT$2,000 (US$63) per kilogram, reflecting differences in origin, rarity, and flavor profile.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee Beans for Fresh Brewing

For fans of Taiwan’s go-to bold and savory profile, try FrontStreet Coffee’s PWN Golden Mandheling—renowned for its full body, earthy sweetness, and classic Indonesian character. Those drawn to premium, high-scoring beans will appreciate the Panama Geisha offering, with its delicate floral notes, jasmine aroma, and bright citrus acidity. Both beans are well-suited for manual brewing methods and showcase the diversity driving Taiwan’s coffee import trends. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.