In the first 5 months of 2026, China increased coffee imports from Vietnam with an increase of 76.9% in volume and an increase of 87.1% in value compared to the same period last year.

Citing statistical data from China Customs, in the 5 months of 2026, China's coffee imports reached 85.9 thousand tons, worth 651.9 million USD, up 0.3% in volume and up 8.0% in value compared to the same period of 2025.

In the 5 months of 2026, the average price of China's coffee imports resided at 7,588 USD/ton, up 7.7% compared to the same period of 2025. Within this, the average price of China's coffee imports from Vietnam rose by 5.8% compared to the same year of 2025, up to a level of 5,680 USD/ton.

In the 5 months of 2026, China imported coffee from 50 countries and territories across the world. Ethiopia served as the largest coffee supplier to China in the 5 months of 2026, reaching 29.2 thousand tons, worth 224.8 million USD, up 70.7% in volume and up 109.0% in value compared to the same period of 2025. The market share of Ethiopian coffee within China's total import volume rose from 19.97% in the 5 months of 2025 up to a level of 33.99% in the 5 months of 2026.

In addition, in the 5 months of 2026, China's imports of Vietnamese coffee reached 17.5 thousand tons, worth 99.6 million USD, up 76.9% in volume and up 87.1% in value compared to the same period of 2025. The market share of Vietnam's coffee within China's total import volume rose from 11.57% in the 5 months of 2025 up to a level of 20.40% in the 5 months of 2026.

Brazil served as the third largest supplying market to China in the 5 months of 2026, reaching 15.0 thousand tons, worth 118.8 million USD, down 52.5% in volume and down 45.5% in value compared to the same period of 2025. The market share of Brazil's coffee within China's total import volume decreased from a level of 36.94% in the 5 months of 2025 down to a level of 17.48% in the 5 months of 2026. Coffee consumption demand in China is rising rapidly thanks to alterations in the consumption habits of young people, the urbanization process, and the rapid development of coffee chains.

The above trend reflects a significant alteration in China's import structure, while concurrently demonstrating the day by day better competitive capacity of Vietnamese coffee at one of the fastest-growing consumer markets in the world.

According to Grand View Research, the scale of China's coffee market reached around 3.26 billion USD in 2025 and is projected to rise to 5.36 billion USD by 2033, with an average growth speed of 6.4%/year during the 2026 - 2033 phase.

“The above growth level demonstrates that China's coffee market still possesses plenty of growth room in the medium and long term,” the Import-Export Department evaluated.

Regarding product structure, roasted coffee currently serves as the group possessing the largest revenue in the Chinese market. Meanwhile, ready-to-drink coffee is projected to grow rapidly in the coming time thanks to convenience, appropriate for the urban life rhythm and the fast consumption trend.

With the above trend, the Import-Export Department perceived that China continues to serve as a potential market against coffee exporting countries, within which is Vietnam. Opportunities concentrate on Robusta coffee products, instant coffee, ready-to-drink coffee, and product lines carrying a convenient nature, appropriate for the palates of young Chinese consumers.

Source: Chuyen trang Co hoi giao thuong cua bao Cong Thuong