India’s Coffee Exports Surge Past Record $1 Billion Mark

New Delhi: India’s coffee exports have surged during April-November of the current financial year, shooting past a record $1 billion during the 8-month period, according to figures compiled by the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE).

The jump in the value of exports is due to the sharp increase in prices of Robusta coffee and stocking ahead of the European Union’s new deforestation regulation that is expected to increase the cost of coffee as well as several other agricultural exports to the EU. India’s coffee exports rose by 12.22 per cent to $1.28 billion for the full year in 2023-24 on higher demand for Robusta coffee in the global markets, according to the Commerce Ministry data. The country exported coffee worth $1.14 billion in 2022-23.

Italy, Russia, the UAE, Germany, and Turkey are the major markets for India’s coffee exports. India became the world’s eighth-largest coffee grower during 2022-2023. Indian coffee is one of the best coffees in the world owing to its high quality and commands a premium in the international markets. India produces two types of coffee: Arabica and Robusta. Arabica has a higher market value than Robusta coffee due to its mild aromatic flavour. Robusta coffee is used in making various blends due to its strong flavour. Robusta is a majorly manufactured coffee with a share of 72 per cent of the total production of Indian coffee.