According to the General Department of Vietnam Customs, Vietnam exported 126,400 tonnes of coffee in June alone, with an export value of US$585.6 million.

During the first six months of 2026, coffee exports reached 1.05 million tonnes, generating US$4.81 billion. Compared with the same period in 2025, export volume increased 7.4%, while export value declined 13.8%.

A notable development came in June 2026, when China sharply increased imports of Vietnamese coffee. The market recorded the fastest growth among Vietnam's major buyers and became the country's third-largest coffee export destination, behind Japan and Germany.

In the first half of the year, Vietnam exported 38,823 tonnes of coffee to China, worth nearly US$226.4 million, up 49.3% in volume and 76.1% in value from the same period a year earlier.

China expands coffee imports

Data from China's customs authority showed that the country imported 85,900 tonnes of coffee worth US$651.9 million during the first five months of 2026, up 0.3% in volume and 8% in value year on year.

China sourced coffee from 50 countries and territories during the period.

Ethiopia remained China's largest coffee supplier, exporting 29,200 tonnes valued at US$224.8 million. As a result, Ethiopia's share of China's total coffee imports increased from 19.97% in the same period of 2025 to 33.99%.

Vietnam ranked second after exporting 17,500 tonnes worth US$99.6 million to China during the first five months of 2026. Shipments rose 76.9% in volume and 87.1% in value compared with a year earlier.

Vietnam's share of China's total coffee imports also increased from 11.57% to 20.4%, allowing the country to overtake Brazil and become China's second-largest coffee supplier.

The average import price of Vietnamese coffee reached US$5,680 per tonne, an increase of 5.8% from the previous year. This was US$1,123 per tonne higher than the average export price of US$4,557 per tonne for Vietnamese coffee shipped to other international markets.

Rising demand creates long-term opportunities

Vietnam's Import-Export Agency under the Ministry of Industry and Trade said coffee consumption in China continues to grow rapidly, driven by changing consumer preferences among younger generations, accelerating urbanisation, and the rapid expansion of coffee shop chains.

According to Grand View Research, China's coffee market was valued at approximately US$3.26 billion in 2025.

The market is projected to reach US$5.36 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate of 6.4% between 2026 and 2033.

"The projected growth indicates that China's coffee market still offers substantial room for expansion over the medium and long term," the Import-Export Agency said.

Roasted coffee currently generates the highest revenue in China, while ready-to-drink coffee is expected to record the fastest growth in the coming years, supported by convenience, urban lifestyles and the rising demand for on-the-go consumption.

Given these trends, the agency believes China will remain a promising export market for coffee-producing countries, including Vietnam. The strongest growth potential is expected in Robusta coffee, instant coffee, ready-to-drink coffee, and other convenient products tailored to the preferences of younger Chinese consumers.

Tam An