Coffee Market Tightens as Global Supplies Shift

Strong global demand and falling stocks suggest continued price volatility for U.S. coffee buyers despite record world production.

PR Coffee 1280.jpg

Market Day Report

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD-TV) — Global coffee supplies are expanding in 2025–26, but tightening stocks and shifting production patterns continue to affect prices and availability for the U.S. market, according to USDA’s latest Coffee: World Markets and Trade report. World coffee production is forecast at a record 178.8 million bags, yet global consumption is rising nearly as fast, keeping ending stocks on a downward trajectory for the fifth consecutive year.

For the United States, the world’s largest coffee importer, supply dynamics remain critical. USDA raised U.S. coffee bean imports to 23.4 million bags for 2024–25, reflecting higher domestic consumption. With global ending stocks projected to fall to 20.1 million bags, coffee prices remain elevated, with the International Coffee Organization’s composite price index nearly tripling over the past several years.

Production gains are concentrated outside the Western Hemisphere. Indonesia’s coffee output is rebounding sharply, led by a 1.7-million-bag increase in Robusta production as weather and labor availability improve. Vietnam continues its recovery, boosting Robusta supplies, while Ethiopia posts record output on higher-yielding varieties. These gains offset declines in Brazil and Colombia, where drought, heat stress, and excessive rainfall reduced Arabica production.

Brazil remains the world’s largest producer, but its 2025–26 crop is forecast down 2.0 million bags, tightening high-quality Arabica supplies favored by U.S. roasters. With consumption still rising globally, USDA expects prices to remain sensitive to weather and production risks heading into 2026.

Farm-Level Takeaway: Strong global demand and falling stocks suggest continued price volatility for U.S. coffee buyers despite record world production.
Tony St. James, RFD-TV Markets Specialist
Related Stories
RealAg Radio’s Shaun Haney discusses the next generation of Canadian agricultural policy, producer priorities, concerns surrounding risk management programs, and what the framework could mean for agriculture on both sides of the border.
Seasonal beef production gains may moderate retail price pressure, while tight cattle supplies continue supporting producer values.
The Washington State Tree Fruit Association says crop quality looks promising despite ongoing drought conditions.
New Fed surveys show farmland values remain historically high, though some Upper Midwest markets are beginning to soften.

Tony St. James joined the RFD-TV talent team in August 2024, bringing a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to RFD-TV and Rural Radio Channel 147 Sirius XM. In addition to his role as Market Specialist (collaborating with Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady to provide radio and TV audiences with the latest updates on ag commodity markets), he hosts “Rural America Live” and serves as talent for trade shows.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Farms should identify key roles and begin leadership succession planning well ahead of any transitions—expected or unexpected.
Higher rail fuel surcharges could add cost pressure even as wheat production falls and grain movement remains active.
Brazil Potash CEO Matt Simpson discusses global fertilizer security, the importance of domestic production, and Brazil’s push toward fertilizer independence, which could impact market competitiveness.
The DOJ is conducting a criminal antitrust investigation into major beef processors, following years of concern over market concentration.
Commercial performance will determine whether the specialty sorghum market can expand across poultry-producing regions.
Producers growing multiple spring crops should compare CLIP with individual coverage increases and county-based supplemental protection.