China’s Coffee Imports and Exports in 2011: Key Numbers

When you're trying to understand global coffee flows, especially how China fits into the picture, hard numbers tell the real story. In 2011, China's coffee trade showed clear momentum—but in opposite directions for imports and exports. What exactly moved, how much, from where, and at what price? Let’s break it down with verified data from China’s commercial intelligence sources.

In 2011, China imported 43,000 metric tonnes of coffee—an increase of 41.9% over the prior year—and exported 37,900 tonnes, up 15.2%. Import value hit $130 million (up 84.4%), while export value reached $180 million (up 75.9%). That year, both import and export prices rose, but export prices grew faster.

How Much Coffee Did China Trade in 2011?

China’s 2011 coffee imports totalled 43,000 tonnes, a sharp 41.9% year-on-year rise. The total value of those imports was $130 million, up 84.4% from 2010. Meanwhile, coffee exports amounted to 37,900 tonnes, growing 15.2% year-on-year, valued at $180 million—a 75.9% increase. This means more coffee was coming in, but more value was going out.

On a per-tonne basis, the average import price in 2011 was $3,018.64, while the average export price was significantly higher at $4,740.53. Both figures rose compared to the previous year, reflecting stronger global pricing—but export prices pulled further ahead.

Where Did China Import Coffee From in 2011?

Vietnam was by far China’s largest coffee supplier in 2011. Chinese importers spent $67.71 million on Vietnamese coffee alone, accounting for 52.15% of the year’s total coffee import value. Other notable sources included the United States, Indonesia, and Italy, though specific financial breakdowns for those were not detailed in the original report.

Which Countries Bought the Most Chinese Coffee in 2011?

The top three destinations for China’s coffee exports in 2011 were Germany, the United States, and Belgium. Germany took the lead, importing coffee worth 31.99% of China’s total export value. The U.S. was next at 17.05%, followed closely by Belgium at 16.89%. These three markets collectively represented the bulk of China’s outbound coffee trade that year.

What Drove the Price Differences in 2011 Coffee Trade?

Both import and export coffee prices rose in 2011, but export prices increased more steeply. The average import price was $3,018.64 per tonne, while the average export price reached $4,740.53 per tonne. That nearly $1,700 difference per tonne reflects China’s role as both a growing coffee consumer and a significant exporter—likely of processed or value-added coffee products rather than raw green beans alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee did China import in 2011?

China imported 43,000 metric tonnes of coffee in 2011, a 41.9% increase from 2010. The total value of those imports was $130 million, up 84.4% year-on-year.

How much coffee did China export in 2011?

In 2011, China exported 37,900 metric tonnes of coffee, a 15.2% increase from the previous year. The export value was $180 million, up 75.9% compared to 2010.

What was the average price of imported and exported coffee in 2011?

The average import price in 2011 was $3,018.64 per tonne, while the average export price was $4,740.53 per tonne. Export prices were significantly higher and grew faster than import prices that year.

Where did most of China’s coffee imports come from in 2011?

Vietnam was China’s top coffee supplier in 2011, accounting for $67.71 million in imports—or 52.15% of the total import value. Other sources included the U.S., Indonesia, and Italy.

Which countries were the top buyers of Chinese coffee in 2011?

The top three export markets were Germany (31.99% of export value), the United States (17.05%), and Belgium (16.89%). These three destinations made up the majority of China’s coffee exports.

Why were export coffee prices higher than import prices in 2011?

Export prices were higher likely because China was exporting processed or value-added coffee, not just raw beans. The average export price was $4,740.53 per tonne versus $3,018.64 per tonne for imports.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Import-Export Context

For readers exploring China’s 2011 coffee trade, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright, fruity complexity akin to beans often exported from Africa, while PWN Golden Mandheling delivers the heavy body and low acidity typical of Southeast Asian coffees like those from Vietnam. Both reflect the kinds of profiles moving through global markets then—and now. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.