India’s Coffee Export Value Rises 48% in April Despite Lower Shipment Volumes
- Saritha Devaiah Ballachanda
- May 17
- 2 min read
BENGALURU: India’s coffee exports witnessed a sharp increase in value during April, surging by 48% to $202.95 million, driven primarily by higher international prices, even as export volumes saw a decline. This is a significant rise compared to April 2023, when the value stood at $137.27 million.
According to data from the Coffee Board, total coffee shipments in April dropped to 35,259 tonnes, marking an 11% fall from 39,827 tonnes exported in the same month last year. A report by Businessline highlighted that despite the dip in volume, the earnings rose owing to favourable global rates.
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From January 1 to May 15 this year, India exported 1.54 lakh tonnes of coffee—down 13% from 1.77 lakh tonnes during the corresponding period in 2023. While exports of arabica coffee rose during this period, robusta shipments saw a decline.
Arabica parchment exports jumped to 24,136 tonnes, up from 16,795 tonnes in the same timeframe last year. Arabica cherry exports also rose to 5,727 tonnes from 3,657 tonnes a year ago. In contrast, robusta parchment shipments declined to 10,796 tonnes from 12,059 tonnes, and robusta cherry exports dropped significantly to 60,321 tonnes from 85,183 tonnes.
Exports of instant coffee also fell slightly to 19,122 tonnes from 19,713 tonnes, while imports meant for re-export declined to 34,160 tonnes, compared to 39,820 tonnes during the same January-May period.
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Ramesh Rajah, President of the Coffee Exporters Association, told Businessline that while export earnings are up due to elevated global prices, overall shipment volumes have taken a hit. “Arabica exports rose owing to earlier contracts, but Indian robusta is currently too expensive, keeping buyers away,” he said. He added that international demand remains weak, with buyers making purchases only when absolutely necessary.
In the financial year ending March 2025, India exported a record 3.89 lakh tonnes of coffee, valued at $1.82 billion.
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