Latin America’s Major Coffee Producers: Output & Export Trends

International coffee prices bottomed out over the past decade — until last year, when the market turned. For coffee importers, roasters, and drinkers keeping an eye on global supply chains, this rebound has shifted the economics of production and trade. In Latin America, home to some of the world’s largest producers, updated figures now reveal just how much each country is growing, exporting, and earning.

In short: Brazil remains the world’s top producer with 41.6 million 60kg bags in the current crop year, up 26.2% from last year. Colombia holds steady near 12 million bags annually with rising export revenues, while Guatemala saw exports fall by 100,000 bags compared to the previous cycle. Here’s the full breakdown by country and trend.

Brazil: Volume Leader with Rising Export Values

Brazil is the world’s largest coffee producer and exporter, and the second-largest consumer after the United States. According to the Brazilian National Coffee Supply Company, the 2024 crop year is forecast to yield 41.6 million 60kg bags — a sharp 26.2% increase from the previous year’s 32.94 million bags. Domestic consumption is estimated at around 16 million bags per year.

Despite a 3.8% drop in export volume — from 19.45 million bags in the same nine-month period last year to 18.72 million bags in 2024 — export revenues rose significantly. From January to September 2024, Brazil exported coffee worth $2.235 billion, up 14.2% from $2.145 billion in the same period last year. Average export price per bag increased from $109.6 in 2023 to $119.5 over the first eight months of 2024.

Colombia: Stable Production, Premium Market Position

Colombia is the world’s third-largest coffee producer and exporter, following Vietnam. The Colombian National Coffee Growers Federation projects a 2024 output of 12 million 60kg bags — nearly identical to 2023’s 11.88 million bags. Though export volume data for 2024 isn’t specified here, the federation forecasts total export revenue of $1.74 billion for the year.

Colombia exported 10.81 million bags in 2023. Its coffee is widely recognised for high quality and pure flavour, often associated with the country’s high-altitude growing regions. As of September 2024, the average FOB price for Colombian coffee reached $1.14 per pound.

Guatemala: Falling Exports Despite Regional Rank

Guatemala ranks as the world’s fifth-largest coffee producer and fourth-largest exporter. For the current coffee year (November 1, 2005 to October 30, 2006, as cited), the Guatemalan National Coffee Association expects to export 3.5 million 60kg bags — a decrease of 1 million bags compared to the prior export cycle. No further breakdown of production or price trends is given in the source for this specific period.

What’s Driving These Trends?

The overall recovery in international coffee prices has directly benefitted exporting nations. While Brazil has capitalised on higher volumes and rising prices per bag, Colombia’s focus on consistent quality has maintained its strong export revenues. Guatemala, despite its established position, has seen a decline in export volume, suggesting possible challenges in production or market positioning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Latin American country produces the most coffee?

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in Latin America and the world, with an estimated 41.6 million 60kg bags for the 2024 crop year — up 26.2% from 32.94 million bags in the previous year.

How much coffee does Colombia export annually?

Colombia produces around 12 million 60kg bags per year and exported 10.81 million bags in 2023. For 2024, export revenue is projected to reach $1.74 billion, reflecting stable production and strong market demand.

Why are Guatemala’s coffee exports down?

Guatemala, ranked as the fifth-largest producer and fourth-largest exporter, is expected to export 3.5 million 60kg bags in the 2005–2006 cycle — a reduction of 1 million bags compared to the previous cycle. The source does not specify reasons for the decline.

Are coffee prices improving for Latin American exporters?

Yes. Global coffee prices have risen after a decade of decline. In Brazil, for example, the average export price per bag increased from $109.6 in 2023 to $119.5 in 2024, boosting overall export revenues despite a slight drop in volume.

Which Latin American country has the highest export revenue growth?

Brazil shows the clearest growth in export revenue, with a 14.2% increase to $2.235 billion in the first nine months of 2024, despite a 3.8% drop in export volume. This reflects higher average prices per bag.

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