Vietnam Is Now China’s Top Coffee Supplier

Vietnam didn’t just enter the Chinese coffee market — it dominated it. Between 2007 and 2011, as Chinese coffee imports surged, one country accounted for nearly all of it. If you’ve ever wondered why your local café suddenly had more affordable coffee options or where China sources most of its beans, the answer is clear: Vietnam.

From 2007 to 2011, Vietnam exported 103,900 tons of coffee to China — roughly 90% of China’s total coffee imports during those years. In the first half of a later year alone, Vietnam shipped 15,000 tons valued at $31.88 million, making up 96.2% of ASEAN coffee exports to China.

A Rapid Rise in Chinese Coffee Demand

China’s coffee imports have grown steadily over the past decade. From 2007 to 2011, the country imported a total of 137,000 tons of coffee, worth $365 million. In 2011 alone, imports hit 43,000 tons — a 41.9% increase from the previous year. This growth reflects broader changes in income and lifestyle, with more Chinese consumers integrating coffee into their daily routines.

Where the Coffee Comes From

The overwhelming majority of China’s imported coffee during 2007–2011 came from Vietnam. Out of 137,000 total imported tons, Vietnam supplied 103,900 tons. This makes Vietnam by far the dominant supplier, far ahead of other countries. By the first half of a subsequent year, Vietnam maintained its lead, providing 15,000 tons to China, valued at $31.88 million, and accounting for 96.2% of coffee imports from ASEAN nations.

The Growing Coffee Culture in China

As demand rises, so does infrastructure. China now has over 13,600 coffee shops and 2,200 coffee-related businesses, employing around 500,000 people. Annual coffee consumption stands between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, with yearly growth rates of 10–15%. While still modest compared to global leaders, these figures show a market in expansion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country supplies the most coffee to China?

Vietnam is the largest coffee supplier to China, having exported 103,900 tons from 2007 to 2011 — about 90% of China’s total coffee imports in that period. In more recent data, Vietnam also made up 96.2% of ASEAN coffee exports to China in the first half of a given year.

How much coffee does China import each year?

From 2007 to 2011, China imported a total of 137,000 tons of coffee. In 2011 alone, imports reached 43,000 tons, a 41.9% increase from 2010. Current annual consumption is estimated between 30,000 and 40,000 tons, growing 10–15% per year.

What role does Vietnam play in China’s coffee imports?

Vietnam is by far the leading supplier, providing nearly 90% of China’s coffee imports from 2007 to 2011 (103,900 tons out of 137,000). It continued to dominate in later years, supplying 15,000 tons in the first half of a specified year, worth $31.88 million, and making up 96.2% of ASEAN coffee exports to China.

How many coffee shops and jobs are there in China’s coffee industry?

As of the latest data, China has over 13,600 coffee shops and 2,200 coffee-related businesses, employing approximately 500,000 people.

How fast is coffee consumption growing in China?

Annual coffee consumption in China ranges from 30,000 to 40,000 tons, with an annual growth rate of 10–15%.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Vietnamese Coffee Context

While Vietnam is best known for its Robusta-heavy production, these FrontStreet Coffee beans offer a way to explore diverse Asian and global coffee profiles that complement the rising interest in Southeast Asian coffee. Try the Brazil Queen Manor Yellow Bourbon, a sweet and creamy single origin with intense peanut and caramel notes from meticulous small-batch natural processing. For contrast, the Colombia Huila offers a classic clean cup with chocolate and fruity acidity typical of high-altitude washed coffees. Finally, the Ethiopia Huakui highlights the bright, juicy complexity often associated with origin diversity — all valuable reference points as China’s coffee palate evolves. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.