Central American and Colombian Coffee Exports Rise 4.5% in October

Coffee importers and roasters tracking global supply chains have reason to take note: the latest figures from Guatemala’s national coffee institute show a modest but meaningful uptick in regional shipments. After a volatile few years shaped by climate variability and market shifts, the latest numbers offer an early signal about how the 2023–24 coffee harvest season is shaping up in some of the world’s most important producing countries.

Yes, coffee exports from Central America, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and the Dominican Republic rose by 4.5% in October 2023 compared to the same month last year. These five regions shipped a combined total of 1,947,884 60kg bags during October — the first month of the new coffee harvest year that runs from October to September.

What the October Export Numbers Show

According to Guatemala’s national coffee association, Anacafe, the 1,947,884 bags exported in October 2023 represent a 4.5% increase over the same period in the previous year. This October figure marks the opening month of the 2023–24 coffee harvest season, offering an early indicator of how production and export volumes are developing across the region. While the full-season export data from the prior year reached 29.37 million bags, this early boost suggests stability or potential growth as the season progresses.

Why These Countries Matter to Global Supply

The group of countries covered — including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua (collectively Central America), plus Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and the Dominican Republic — plays a crucial role in worldwide coffee availability. Together, their output accounts for nearly one-fifth of the global coffee supply. These origins are especially significant for specialty roasters seeking balanced, bright, and diverse profiles from well-established growing regions.

The Coffee Harvest Year Explained

Coffee is tracked by a harvest year that begins in October and ends the following September. This calendar aligns with the production cycles in the Northern Hemisphere tropics, where the majority of these countries lie. October marks the start of the new cycle, as freshly harvested cherries begin moving through processing, drying, milling, and export pipelines. The strong October performance is thus a key early metric for forecasters and buyers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries are included in the 4.5% export increase?

The countries are Central America (Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua), Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and the Dominican Republic. Together, they shipped 1,947,884 60kg bags in October 2023, showing a 4.5% rise over October 2022.

What is the time frame for the coffee harvest year mentioned?

The coffee harvest year runs from October of one year to September of the following year. October is the first month of the new harvest season, making it the initial indicator month for that cycle’s export performance.

How much coffee was exported in October 2023?

In October 2023, the listed countries exported a total of 1,947,884 bags of coffee, with each bag weighing 60 kilograms. This figure reflects a 4.5% increase compared to October of the previous year.

What portion of global coffee production do these countries represent?

These Central American, Mexican, Colombian, Peruvian, and Dominican Republic producers together make up nearly one-fifth (approximately 20%) of the world’s total coffee output.

Why is the October export figure significant?

October is the first month of the new coffee harvest year (October to September), so it provides the earliest glimpse into how production, processing, and exports are progressing for the upcoming season. A 4.5% increase suggests a stable or improving start.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Central America & Colombia

For coffee professionals following these export trends, FrontStreet Coffee offers several single origins that highlight the profile diversity of the region. The FrontStreet Honduras Finca Los Lajones offers a classic washed profile with citrus, caramel, and a crisp acidity — ideal for exploring Central American brightness. For Colombian highlights, the FrontStreet Colombia Huila Supremo brings deep sweetness with notes of dark cherry and milk chocolate, while the FrontStreet Guatemala Antigua displays winey complexity with spice and nut undertones. All three reflect the consistent quality and balance these origins are known for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.