Indonesia’s Coffee Exports May Hit 2-Year Low in 2024

Indonesia, the world’s fourth-largest coffee producer, is poised to see its lowest coffee bean exports in over a decade. According to Bloomberg’s survey of exporters and processors, shipments are expected to fall 14% year-on-year in 2024 to just 385,000 metric tonnes (6.42 million 60kg bags)—the lowest since 2011. This sharp decline comes amid surging local roastery purchases and weakening production forecasts.

In short: Indonesia’s 2024 coffee bean exports are projected to drop to 385,000 tonnes (642,000 bags), down 14% from 2023, largely due to domestic mill buying and weather-related yield losses. That’s the lowest volume seen since 2011.

Why Indonesian Coffee Exports Are Falling

According to Sumitra, head of the Indonesian Coffee Exporters Association, last year’s bumper crop is not being repeated. A mix of unfavourable rainfall patterns and growing domestic consumption has tightened supplies. Local coffee processing facilities are also sourcing more green beans than before, reducing the volume available for export.

Production Expected to Drop 10%

Bloomberg’s sources indicate that Indonesia’s total coffee production may fall by around 10% in 2024, dropping to 595,000 tonnes (9.92 million bags). That decline is largely driven by climate factors following a strong harvest in 2023. With less coffee to go around and higher internal demand, less is available for global markets.

Impact on Global Robusta Prices

The reduced export volume could ease downward pressure on Robusta coffee bean prices. International Robusta futures had already pulled back 11.3% from a March high, trading at $1,843 per tonne on the London exchange as of 10 October—down 0.3% on the day. The retreat follows expectations of increased supply from Vietnam and Brazil, but Indonesia’s shrinking exports may help stabilise the market.

Indonesia’s Coffee Geography and Profile

Indonesia is a vast archipelago nation spanning the equator with a tropical, wet-and-dry monsoon climate. Most of its premium coffee grows on the islands of Sumatra, particularly in North Sumatra’s Gayo Highlands and the Lake Toba region near Lintong. These high-elevation zones—between 1,100 and 1,600 metres above sea level—are known for their volcanic soils and distinct wet-hulled (Giling Basah) processing method, which contributes to the earthy, herbal, and spicy profiles typical of Indonesian Mandheling coffees.

What Is Mandheling Coffee?

Though “Mandheling” is a trade term rather than a varietal, it broadly refers to high-quality coffees from North Sumatra. These are typically processed using the wet-hulled method, which gives them a full body, low acidity, and savoury notes such as herbs, wood, and dark chocolate. The region’s best-known examples include Lintong Mandheling and the meticulously selected PWN Golden Mandheling.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is Indonesia exporting in 2024?

Indonesia’s coffee bean exports are projected to reach 385,000 metric tonnes (642,000 60kg bags) in 2024, a 14% decrease from the previous year and the lowest level since 2011.

Why is Indonesia’s coffee export volume dropping?

The decline is due to a combination of factors: increased domestic roastery purchases, higher local coffee consumption, and an estimated 10% drop in overall coffee production caused by irregular rainfall and climate conditions.

What is Indonesia’s usual coffee production?

In recent years, Indonesia has produced roughly 660,000–670,000 tonnes of coffee annually. In 2024, that figure is expected to fall by around 10% to approximately 595,000 tonnes (9.92 million bags).

How does this affect global coffee prices?

Lower Indonesian exports may reduce downward pressure on global Robusta coffee prices. While Vietnam and Brazil are expected to increase supply, Indonesia’s reduced volumes help balance the market, contributing to price stabilisation.

What regions in Indonesia produce the best coffee?

The best-known coffee-growing regions in Indonesia are in North Sumatra, particularly the Gayo Highlands and Lake Toba area near Lintong. These regions are known for producing high-quality Mandheling coffees with distinctive earthy and spicy profiles.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans from Indonesia

For a true taste of Indonesia, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Lintong Mandheling, which delivers classic spice, black chocolate, and caramel notes with a sweet finish. For a more refined cup, the PWN Golden Mandheling offers toasted bread, pine, caramel, and cocoa flavours with a thick, balanced body and long-lasting sweet aftertaste. Both beans are processed using Indonesia’s signature wet-hulled method and showcase the earthy depth the region is known for. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.