Vietnam's coffee exports reach a record $8.9 billion: Challenges from raw product barriers.
In 2025, Vietnam's coffee industry recorded a record export value of $8.9 billion, a 58.8% increase in value. However, the majority of export volume remains concentrated in the raw bean segment with low added value.
By the end of 2025, Vietnam's coffee industry had set a new historical milestone in both export volume and value. According to data from the Vietnam Customs Department, total export volume reached 1.59 million tons with a value of 8.9 billion USD, an increase of 18.3% and 58.8% respectively compared to 2024. In December 2025 alone, export activity boomed, reaching nearly 183,000 tons, bringing in 948 million USD.
The export structure remains dependent on raw materials.
Despite impressive export growth figures, industry experts warn about sustainability, as the majority of production remains raw coffee beans. Mr. Nguyen Nam Hai, Chairman of the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association (VICOFA), believes that without promoting deep processing and brand building, Vietnamese coffee will continue to be in the lower segment of the global value chain.
Sharing the same view, Ms. Le Hoang Diep Thao, founder and CEO of TNI King Coffee, emphasized the urgent need to enhance product value. Ms. Thao stated that the company is focusing on developing the value chain from cultivation to production and export, demonstrating the competitiveness of Vietnamese brands in over 120 international markets through modern processing technology.
Market trends and export values in 2025
The EU market continues to maintain its position as Vietnam's largest coffee import partner, accounting for 40.7% of total export value. Specifically, exports to this region reached 666.3 thousand tons, worth US$3.63 billion, an increase of 68.3% in value compared to the previous year. Below is a summary table of the coffee industry's business results over the past year:
| Target | Value in 2025 | Growth compared to 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Total export volume | 1.59 million tons | +18.3% |
| Total export value | $8.9 billion | +58.8% |
| Market share in the EU (by value) | $3.63 billion | +68.3% |
Besides the EU, the American market also saw strong expansion in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, particularly in the roasted coffee segment. In Asia, traditional markets such as Japan, China, and South Korea maintained steady growth, while Southeast Asia is gradually becoming a potential market for Robusta coffee.
Domestic coffee prices are expected to rise slightly in early 2026.
Observations in the domestic market during mid-January 2026 indicate that coffee prices are showing signs of recovery after the harvest season ended. Limited supply combined with farmers' tendency to hold onto their stock has supported the price increase.
In the Central Highlands provinces, as of January 19, 2026, coffee prices fluctuated between 98,300 and 99,300 VND/kg, an increase of 700-1,000 VND/kg compared to the beginning of the month. This is considered a positive sign for export activities in the first months of the new year.
Forecast and challenges for 2026
According to the Import-Export Department (Ministry of Industry and Trade), the export outlook for 2026 remains positive thanks to stable global demand. However, the industry will face significant challenges such as weather risks, rising production costs, and stringent standards on sustainable development and traceability from demanding markets. Focusing on deep processing and product diversification is considered key to maintaining growth momentum and enhancing international competitiveness.
