Vietnam Overtakes Brazil as Top Coffee Exporter

Vietnam just shipped more green coffee than Brazil in the first half of 2024—and the numbers aren’t even close. According to the International Coffee Organization, Vietnam exported 1.4325 million 60kg bags of coffee beans from January to June, beating Brazil’s total by 13.63%. That’s not just a blip: it’s now the world’s biggest coffee-exporting nation for this period. But how did this smaller country edge out the long-time king of coffee?

The short answer: volume. Vietnam exported 1.43 million 60kg bags of green coffee in the first six months of 2024—that’s 13.63% more than Brazil’s total for the same months, according to the ICO. Vietnam’s customs data adds that 1.04 million metric tonnes were shipped, worth $2.12 billion, up 31.7% in volume and 24.7% in value year-on-year.

Why Vietnam Now Leads Global Coffee Exports

Vietnam’s rise to the top of the coffee export rankings comes down to sheer volume of green coffee shipments. For the first half of 2024, the country sent out 1.4325 million 60kg bags—each weighing 60 kilograms—of unroasted coffee beans. That total surpassed Brazil’s by 13.63%, based on figures from the International Coffee Organization (ICO). While Brazil remains the overall top producer by planted area and historical output, Vietnam’s focused export strategy and high-volume production of mainly Robusta beans have pushed it ahead in early 2024.

Export Volume and Value: The Numbers

According to Vietnam’s General Department of Customs, the country exported 1.04 million metric tonnes of coffee in the first half of 2024. That’s a 31.7% increase compared to the same period last year. In US dollar terms, the value hit $2.12 billion—a 24.7% year-on-year gain. These figures reflect strong global demand and Vietnam’s ability to move large quantities of coffee efficiently. The majority of this volume is unroasted, green coffee destined for roasters worldwide.

Top Markets for Vietnamese Coffee

The two largest buyers of Vietnamese coffee during the first half of 2024 were Germany and the United States. Together, they accounted for a significant chunk of export revenue: Germany took 14.35% of the total value, and the U.S. 9.76%. These markets are key drivers of demand, particularly for the consistent, high-volume supply that Vietnam provides. Other international buyers also contribute, but these two nations lead in share of export earnings.

Vietnam’s Coffee Growing Landscape

Coffee farming in Vietnam is concentrated primarily in the Central Highlands region, known locally as the Tây Nguyên. This area accounts for around 550,000 hectares of the country’s total 600,000 hectares under coffee cultivation. The crop is a vital part of the agricultural economy, providing income for hundreds of thousands of smallholder farmers and playing a key role in rural development. Vietnam’s focus on export-grade coffee, especially in the green bean segment, has made it a critical player in the global supply chain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Vietnam really export more coffee than Brazil in 2024?

Yes. For the first six months of 2024, Vietnam exported 1.4325 million 60kg bags of green coffee, compared to Brazil’s lower total. That’s a 13.63% higher volume, making Vietnam the world’s largest coffee exporter for that period, according to the International Coffee Organization.

How much coffee did Vietnam export in the first half of 2024?

Vietnam exported 1.4325 million 60kg bags of green coffee in H1 2024. In metric tonnes, that’s 1.04 million tonnes, worth $2.12 billion. Both volume and value rose significantly compared to the same months in 2023.

Which countries buy the most Vietnamese coffee?

Germany and the United States were the top two export markets for Vietnamese coffee in H1 2024. Germany accounted for 14.35% of export value, and the U.S. 9.76%. These two nations are the biggest buyers of Vietnam’s coffee exports.

What kind of coffee does Vietnam mainly export?

Vietnam primarily exports green, unroasted coffee beans. The majority of its production is Robusta, grown mainly in the Central Highlands (Tây Nguyên), which makes up around 600,000 hectares of coffee farmland nationwide.

Why did Vietnam overtake Brazil in coffee exports?

Vietnam shipped a higher volume of green coffee (1.43 million 60kg bags) than Brazil in H1 2024—13.63% more, per ICO data. While Brazil grows more coffee overall, Vietnam’s large-scale, export-focused green bean production gave it the edge in early 2024.

How important is coffee to Vietnam’s economy?

Coffee is a major agricultural export for Vietnam, especially from the Central Highlands region where most of the 600,000 hectares of coffee farms are located. It provides significant income for rural farmers and contributes billions of dollars annually to export revenues.

FrontStreet Coffee Picks for Vietnamese Coffee Fans

If you’re exploring the global coffee map, try FrontStreet’s Classic Blend for a balanced cup with chocolate and nut notes—great for understanding mass-market profiles similar to Vietnam’s exported beans. For something brighter, their Ethiopia Yirgacheffe offers citrus and floral tones, showing how origin diversity complements bulk exports. Both are in stock and roasted to order. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.