India’s coffee exports have jumped by over 40 per cent in the April-Feb period of current financial year to cross the $1.54 billion mark over corresponding last year’s $1.10 billion on rising global prices. The shipments during the month of February were up 22 per cent in value terms at $178.68 million ($146.08 million), as per the Commerce Ministry’s latest data.
In Rupee terms, the exports were up 43.37 per cent at ₹13004.75 crore during April-Feb 2024-25 over corresponding last year’s ₹9070 crore.
As per the Ministry data, among the top export destinations for Indian coffee during Apr-Dec 2024, Italy leads with 19.01 per cent share in total coffee exports, followed by Germany (12.42 per cent), Russia (5.76 per cent), and Belgium (5.76 per cent). The United Arab Emirates (UAE) also holds a notable share of 5.55 per cent. USA ranks 6th, accounting for 4.05 per cent of total coffee exports during Apr-Dec 2024, the data revealed.
India is the seventh largest producer and the fifth largest exporter of coffee in the world. Prices of coffee are ruling at record levels following adverse weather induced supply crunch in the largest producing countries of Brazil and Vietnam. India exports over two thirds of the over 3.5 lakh tonnes produced in the country.
In the current calendar year, the overall exports have been rather sluggish, but the value of the shipments has been on the rise owing to the record high prices.
As per the Coffee Board’s latest data on permits issued, the shipments from January 1 till March 17 stood at 85,007 tonnes as compared to the same period last year’s 95,360 tonnes. However, the Indian arabicas, the mild and premium variety are seeing increased offtake from the buyers in Europe, the main destination for the Indian coffees. Arabica shipments in the current calendar year till March 17 were up 64 per cent in volumes at over 17,021 tonnes as compared to the same period last year’s 10,365 tonnes.
