Brazilian Coffee Exports Drop, Yet Revenue Hits Record High on Price Surge

The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) reports coffee exports fell 10.4% in February 2025 compared to last year. Brazil shipped 3,273,877 60-kilogram bags, down from 3,651,850 bags in February 2024.

Despite lower volume, revenue soared 55.5% to $1.19 billion, setting a February record. Márcio Ferreira, Cecafé’s president, explained the paradox. “Current prices remain significantly higher than last year despite recent retreats from peak levels,” he said.

Coffee prices reached unprecedented levels in early 2025, hitting $4.24 per pound by mid-February with spikes to $4.40. The dramatic price surge reflects several market forces.

Severe drought has affected Brazil’s coffee regions since April 2024, particularly in Minas Gerais. Vietnam and Indonesia also faced production challenges, creating global supply constraints as demand continues to rise worldwide.

Brazil’s strong performance follows an exceptional 2024 when the country exported a record 31.9 million bags through August. This represented a remarkable 39% increase from 2023 levels.

Robusta coffee exports showed particularly impressive growth, increasing 212% in 2024. Coffee production generated approximately R$72.3 billion in revenue for Brazil in 2024.

Brazilian Arabica Coffe

This figure marked the highest in a decade and represented a nearly 40% increase over 2023. Despite revenue gains, Brazilian arabica coffee faces increased competition.

Ferreira noted Central American coffee has gained market share in New York due to price advantages. This shift creates strategic challenges for Brazilian exporters already sacrificing profit margins.

The price surge raises concerns about future consumption. “These price increases will directly impact inflation in consumer economies and generate reduced consumption,” Ferreira warned.

Exporters also face ongoing logistical challenges including port congestion and container shortages. The United States remains Brazil’s top coffee destination, followed by Germany, Belgium, Italy, and Japan. Vietnam and Indonesia have dramatically increased their Brazilian coffee imports, with Vietnam purchases rising 514.2% in early 2024.