South Korea’s Coffee Imports Surge 18.7% in 2014

South Korea’s coffee consumption boom isn’t just anecdotal—it’s backed by hard numbers. From January through September 2014, the country imported a striking 99,372 tonnes of coffee, marking an 18.7% jump compared to the same period the year before. This volume surpassed the previous peak of 92,040 tonnes seen in 2011, making it the highest level recorded since 1990. The data reveals more than growth: it signals a structural shift in how Koreans engage with coffee.

In short: Korea imported 99,372 tonnes of coffee between January and September 2014—a 18.7% increase year-on-year, exceeding the previous high set in 2011. Coffee import value also rose 21.1% to $382 million. Vietnam was the top supplier, followed by Brazil, Colombia, Honduras, and Peru.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

The 2014 coffee import figures paint a clear picture of accelerating demand. Over the first nine months of the year, Korea brought in 99,372 tonnes of coffee—an 18.7% year-on-year rise. In value terms, imports soared 21.1% to reach $382 million. These numbers not only eclipsed the previous year’s pace but also topped the previous high-water mark of 92,040 tonnes set in 2011, the strongest year for coffee imports since records began in 1990.

Where the Coffee Comes From

Korea’s coffee imports in this period came overwhelmingly from a few key countries. Vietnam supplied the largest share, with 23,686 tonnes. 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 surged past the full-year total for 2013—which stood at 13,581 tonnes—highlighting a dramatic year-on-year increase for that origin.

What’s Driving the Growth?

Industry observers point to two major factors fuelling Korea’s coffee import surge. First, the rapid expansion of domestic coffee chain outlets has significantly boosted demand. Second, the Korea–US Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which took effect in 2012, reduced tariffs and facilitated greater coffee imports from the United States. These structural changes have created an environment where coffee consumption continues to climb, even as health-conscious consumers explore alternative beverages.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

South Korea imported 99,372 tonnes of coffee between January and September 2014—an 18.7% increase compared to the same period in 2013.

Which country was the largest supplier of coffee to South Korea in that period?

Vietnam was the largest supplier, exporting 23,686 tonnes of coffee to South Korea during the first nine months of 2014.

What was the total value of South Korea’s coffee imports in 2014 (January–September)?

The total value of coffee imports reached $382 million, a 21.1% year-on-year increase.

Did any country surpass its 2013 total coffee exports to South Korea in 2014?

Yes—Colombia exported 14,043 tonnes to South Korea in the first nine months of 2014, surpassing its full-year export total of 13,581 tonnes in 2013.

Why did coffee imports to South Korea rise so sharply in 2014?

The increase was driven by a boom in domestic coffee chains and tariff reductions under the 2012 Korea–US Free Trade Agreement, both of which expanded market access and demand.

What other countries supplied significant amounts of coffee to South Korea in 2014?

Brazil (17,566 tonnes), Colombia (14,043 tonnes), Honduras (9,219 tonnes), and Peru (6,782 tonnes) were the other major suppliers in that period.

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