Latin American Coffee Exports Down 6.82%

LATAM coffee shipments over the past harvest season took a sharp downturn — and it's not just a blip. From the October 2023 harvest start through May 2024, nine major Latin American coffee-producing countries sent markedly fewer sacks abroad compared to the same period last year.

The region’s coffee exports dropped by 6.82% year-on-year, with most countries posting declines. Only two nations increased their output — and one saw the steepest fall on record.

How Much Did Each Country Export?

Nine countries — Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, and the Dominican Republic — collectively exported 17.8 million 60kg bags of coffee between October and May. That figure represents the entire regional export volume during the most recent harvest window.

Which Countries Grew Their Exports?

Out of the nine, only Colombia and Peru managed year-on-year export growth. Colombia’s shipments rose by 28.52%, while Peru’s increased by 7.73%. Every other country saw a decline.

Where Were the Sharpest Drops?

Mexico recorded the largest drop — a staggering 71.34% fewer exports compared to the same months the previous year. El Salvador followed with a 50.77% reduction, and the Dominican Republic saw exports fall by 31.84%. These declines significantly pulled down the regional total.

What’s Behind the Decline?

The primary cause is a fungal pathogen that appeared in Central America and Mexico roughly two years ago. This fungus has continued to damage coffee trees, and as of the latest reports, it remains uncontrolled. The ongoing impact on plant health and yield has directly reduced harvest volumes and exportable coffee.

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, did not contribute data for this period, so its production changes are not reflected in these regional figures. Its absence means the reported 6.82% drop focuses solely on the nine featured Latin American countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Latin American countries saw the biggest drops in coffee exports?

Mexico had the steepest decline at 71.34%, followed by El Salvador with a 50.77% drop and the Dominican Republic at 31.84%. These three countries accounted for some of the largest reductions in regional export volume.

Did any Latin American countries increase coffee exports over this period?

Yes, only Colombia and Peru increased their exports. Colombia’s coffee exports rose by 28.52% and Peru’s by 7.73%, bucking the broader regional trend of decline.

How much coffee did the region export in total from October to May?

The nine countries exported a combined total of 17.8 million 60kg bags of coffee between October 2023 and May 2024.

Why did so many countries see lower exports?

A major factor is a fungal outbreak affecting coffee trees in Central America and Mexico that started around two years ago. The issue has not yet been controlled, reducing both tree health and harvest yields.

Why isn’t Brazil included in these export figures?

Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, did not provide export data for the reported period. The 6.82% decline only covers the nine listed Latin American countries and does not reflect Brazil’s production or shipments.

FrontStreet Latin-American Single Origins to Try

For drinkers following Latin American coffee trends, try FrontStreet’s Honduras Finca Los Lajones (notes of dark cherry and almond) or Guatemala Antigua (cocoa, spice, and citrus). Both highlight the region’s signature balance and clarity. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.