North Korea’s Coffee Consumption Beats China’s

When you think about global coffee cultures, places like Italy, Ethiopia, or the U.S. might come to mind. But a closer look at hard data reveals surprising truths: North Korea, despite its isolation and economic challenges, imports more coffee per person than China—and by a wide margin. Where does your country stand?

From 2000 to 2012, North Korea imported an average of 19,000 60-kilogram bags of coffee per year, equaling roughly 50 grams of green coffee beans per person annually—or about seven cups. That may sound modest, but it’s significantly higher than China’s 25 grams per capita over the same period.

Coffee Imports in North Korea: A Decade of Growth

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reports that North Korea’s coffee imports surged after the 1990s. Between 1990 and 1999, the country averaged fewer than 1,000 60kg bags per year. But starting in 2000, that figure jumped dramatically—to an average of 19,000 bags annually from 2000 to 2012. That’s a more than tenfold increase in just over a decade.

What Does 50 Grams Per Person Actually Mean?

Fifty grams of green coffee beans may not sound like much—but it translates into roughly seven standard cups of brewed coffee. That’s enough for occasional consumption, especially in urban areas. While it’s still a small amount compared to global coffee-heavy nations, it reflects a shift in demand among certain demographics, particularly in cities like Pyongyang.

China’s Surprisingly Low Per Capita Coffee Intake

Despite being one of the world’s largest economies and home to a booming specialty coffee scene, China’s average annual coffee consumption per person is just 25 grams of green coffee beans—about 3.5 cups. That’s half the amount consumed in North Korea and places China near the bottom among Asian nations for coffee intake.

South Korea: A Stark Contrast

In sharp contrast, South Korea’s per capita coffee consumption is around 40 times higher than North Korea’s. While exact figures aren’t provided in the original report, the comparison underscores how embedded coffee culture has become in South Korean daily life—thanks to widespread café culture, convenience store offerings, and a strong third-wave coffee movement.

Why Is Coffee Consumption Still Low in North Korea?

Although Pyongyang and other major cities have seen the opening of fashionable cafés in recent years—catering to a growing coffee-drinking demographic—the overall market remains limited. High prices and low disposable income are significant barriers. The infrastructure for consistent, high-quality coffee availability is also underdeveloped, keeping consumption modest despite its growth from the 1990s baseline.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee does North Korea import per year?

From 2000 to 2012, North Korea imported an average of 19,000 60-kilogram bags of coffee annually. That equals 1.14 million kilograms, or 1,140 metric tons, of green coffee each year.

What is the per capita coffee consumption in North Korea?

North Korea’s annual per capita coffee consumption is approximately 50 grams of green coffee beans, which equates to around seven standard cups of brewed coffee per person per year.

How does China’s coffee consumption compare?

China’s annual per capita coffee consumption is 25 grams of green coffee beans—about 3.5 cups—less than half that of North Korea and among the lowest in Asia.

How much more coffee does South Korea consume compared to North Korea?

South Korea’s per capita coffee consumption is roughly 40 times higher than that of North Korea, though exact figures for South Korea are not detailed in the original report.

Why has North Korea’s coffee import increased since 2000?

The increase is attributed to the opening of modern cafés in cities like Pyongyang, reflecting a small but growing demand for coffee among urban consumers. However, economic constraints still limit broader market growth.

Is coffee popular in North Korea?

Coffee is not yet mainstream in North Korea, but it is gaining popularity among certain urban groups. The rise of cafés in major cities indicates a niche but emerging coffee culture.

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