Vietnam Coffee Production Grows Despite El Niño Risk

Vietnam's Robusta coffee production could see a slight increase in the 2026/2027 season as newly planted areas from previous years enter a phase of stable yields. Thai Nhu Hiep of the Vietnam Coffee-Cocoa Association cited estimates from the US Department of Agriculture, which projects a harvest of 32 million 60kg bags.

Hiep warned, however, that the threat posed by El Niño should not be underestimated, as the key growing region in the central highlands is extremely vulnerable to weather fluctuations. Adapting to climate change and securing production are therefore becoming urgent priorities for the country.

At the same time, the sector is focusing on developing a higher-quality specialty robusta variety to increase export value and ensure higher incomes for farmers.

Vietnam is also preparing its data infrastructure to meet European Union deforestation requirements, which mandate proof of the traceability of commodities' origins. Hiep views the EU's stricter rules as an opportunity to build a more transparent, sustainable and competitive supply chain.

(Reuters, Max)