International Coffee Organization: Full List of Importing and Exporting Members

If you’ve ever wondered which countries actually grow the coffee we drink—and which ones mainly buy and roast it—you’re not alone. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) tracks global coffee trade, distinguishing clearly between member nations that export raw coffee and those that primarily import it for domestic consumption or roasting. This membership data reflects the structure of the worldwide coffee economy.

In total, dozens of countries belong to the ICO, split into two main groups: exporters who grow and ship green coffee, and importers who bring it in for roasting and retail. Below is the full, factual breakdown of every current member nation categorized accordingly.

What Is the International Coffee Organization?

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) is the main intergovernmental body that oversees global coffee trade policy. Founded in 1963, the ICO supports sustainable coffee production, market transparency, and economic stability for coffee-growing nations. Its membership includes both coffee-exporting and coffee-importing countries, making it a key forum for managing supply and demand at a global level.

Coffee Exporting Member Countries

These nations are responsible for producing and exporting the green coffee beans that fuel the specialty coffee industry. Their climates, altitudes, and farming practices determine the flavor profiles of beans we see in cafés and roasteries worldwide. The following countries are official ICO members that primarily export coffee:

• Angola
• Benin
• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Burundi
• Cameroon
• Central African Republic
• Colombia
• Congo
• Congo D.R. of
• Costa Rica
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Cuba
• Dominican Republic
• Ecuador
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Ethiopia
• Gabon
• Ghana
• Guatemala
• Guinea
• Haiti
• Honduras
• India
• Indonesia
• Jamaica
• Kenya
• Madagascar
• Malawi
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Nigeria
• Papua New Guinea
• Paraguay
• Rwanda
• Tanzania
• Thailand
• Togo
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Uganda
• Venezuela
• Vietnam
• Zambia
• Zimbabwe

Coffee Importing Member Countries

These countries primarily import green coffee for domestic roasting, brewing, and consumption. While some may also produce limited coffee, they are net importers and play a major role in the global demand side of the coffee equation. The following are ICO-listed importing nations:

• Austria
• Belgium/Luxemburg
• Britain
• Denmark
• Finland
• France
• Germany
• Greece
• Holland
• Italy
• Japan
• Norway
• Portugal
• Spain
• Sweden
• Switzerland

Why These Distinctions Matter

The division between importing and exporting countries shapes pricing, policy, sustainability efforts, and market access. Exporters rely on stable international demand, while importers influence roast quality, market trends, and consumer preferences. This split also highlights why global coffee meetings—including those hosted by the ICO—require representation from both sides to balance production goals with market needs.

For coffee professionals and enthusiasts, knowing which countries grow coffee (exporters) versus which roast and consume it (importers) helps trace flavor origins, understand trade relationships, and appreciate the global effort behind every cup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are the biggest coffee exporters in the ICO?

The list includes major coffee-producing nations like Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Honduras, Vietnam, and Uganda. These countries grow and export the majority of the world’s green coffee supply. They are all listed as official exporting members of the ICO.

Are European countries mostly coffee importers or exporters?

Most European countries in the list—such as Belgium/Luxemburg, Britain, France, Germany, Holland, Italy, Portugal, and Spain—are importers. They import green coffee for domestic roasting and consumption rather than growing it at scale.

Does the International Coffee Organization include every coffee-growing country?

No, the ICO includes many—but not all—coffee-producing and consuming nations. It specifically lists 40+ countries that are active in either importing or exporting coffee, focusing on those engaged in global trade discussions and policy.

Why do some countries import coffee even if they grow a little themselves?

Countries like Holland or Portugal may grow minimal coffee but still import the vast majority needed for domestic consumption. These nations are classified as importers because they rely on imported green coffee for their coffee industries.

Is Brazil an importing or exporting coffee country?

Brazil is one of the world’s largest coffee exporters. It is listed under the exporting members of the ICO and supplies a significant portion of the global coffee trade, especially arabica and robusta beans.

What’s the difference between an importing and exporting ICO member?

An exporting member primarily grows and ships green coffee beans internationally, while an importing member brings in green coffee for local roasting, brewing, and consumer use. This distinction defines their role in the global coffee supply chain.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Global Trade Exploration

Explore the origins behind the ICO member list with FrontStreet Coffee’s single origins: try Ethiopia Yirgacheffe for floral, citrus notes common in African exports; Colombia Huila for balanced, nutty profiles typical of South American shipments; and Rwanda Red Bourbon for juicy, berry-forward flavors from a key exporter. These beans represent the kinds of coffees moving from exporting countries to importing roasters worldwide. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.