Vietnam Coffee Exports May Hit $3 Billion in 2014

Vietnam’s position as one of the world’s top coffee producers has never been in doubt—but how much is it really earning from all those beans? In early 2014, official figures showed the country exporting 500,000 tonnes of coffee in just the first quarter, signaling another massive year for the industry.

Yes, Vietnam is on track to export at least 150,000 tonnes of coffee during the 2013–2014 season, bringing in approximately $3 billion in revenue. That’s a 20% increase compared to the previous year.

Vietnam’s 2013–2014 Coffee Export Performance

According to the Vietnam Economic Times, Du Henan, Vice President of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association (Vicofa), reported that in the first quarter of 2014 alone, Vietnam shipped out 500,000 tonnes of coffee. For the full 2013–2014 season, the association expects exports to reach no less than 150,000 tonnes, generating around $3 billion in export value. This marks a year-on-year growth of roughly 20%.

Vicofa’s Strategic Recommendations for 2014–2017

Vicofa has outlined key development proposals for Vietnam’s coffee sector between 2014 and 2017. The first priority is to maintain the current coffee cultivation area at 570,000 hectares. Production should stay within 1.3 to 1.4 million tonnes annually, with exports of over 1 million tonnes. The goal is to secure Vietnam’s share of global coffee exports at 17%.

Key Challenges to Address

The industry faces three major hurdles: an excessive number of smallholder farms, too many coffee traders, and an export portfolio dominated by raw coffee beans. Tackling these will be crucial for sustainable growth.

Improving Quality and Market Position

To boost export earnings, Vietnam aims to improve coffee quality and, in turn, pricing. One specific target is increasing the certified coffee rate from 20% in 2013 to 25% by 2014. Certified coffee often commands higher prices due to quality assurance and traceability standards.

Expanding Export Markets

Trade strategy also calls for greater penetration into emerging markets such as China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe. These regions offer new growth opportunities beyond traditional buyers.

Boosting Domestic Coffee Consumption

Another goal is to raise domestic coffee consumption to 15% of total production within five years. This shift could create more stable demand and add value locally.

Structural and Financial Reforms

Vicofa has proposed that the Vietnamese Ministry of Finance establish a Coffee Development Fund to replace the existing Coffee Export Insurance Fund. The new fund would better support long-term industry growth rather than just insuring export risks.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did Vietnam export in the 2013–2014 season?

Vietnam is projected to export at least 150,000 tonnes of coffee during the 2013–2014 season, generating around $3 billion in revenue—a 20% increase from the previous year.

What is Vietnam’s target share of the global coffee export market?

Vietnam aims to maintain a 17% share of the global coffee export market by keeping its planted area at 570,000 hectares and annual production between 1.3 and 1.4 million tonnes.

What are the main challenges facing Vietnam’s coffee industry?

The industry struggles with too many small-scale coffee farmers, an oversupply of traders, and a lack of product diversification—most exports are still raw coffee beans.

What is Vicofa’s goal for certified coffee by 2014?

Vicofa aims to increase the proportion of certified coffee from 20% to 25% by 2014 to improve quality, pricing, and market competitiveness.

Which new markets is Vietnam targeting for coffee exports?

Vietnam plans to expand into emerging markets including China, Japan, Southeast Asia, and Eastern Europe to reduce reliance on traditional buyers and drive growth.

What financial reform does Vicofa recommend for the coffee sector?

Vicofa proposes replacing the Coffee Export Insurance Fund with a new Coffee Development Fund under the Ministry of Finance to support broader industry development.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Vietnam

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