Brazilian instant coffee exports rise 20% in July as domestic consumption grows

Brazilian instant coffee exports gained momentum in July. The country shipped 8,161 tonnes during the month, equivalent to 353,761 60-kg bags of green coffee and 20% more than in July 2025.

Data from the Brazilian Instant Coffee Industry Association (Abics) point to a recovery in exports alongside growing domestic consumption.

Between January and July 2026, exports totaled 57,400 tonnes, equivalent to 2.488 million bags. This represents a 10.9% increase from the 51,700 tonnes, or 2.243 million bags, shipped during the same period last year.

Exports rise, but revenue declines

Despite the higher volumes, export revenue did not follow the same trend. In the first seven months of 2026, instant coffee exports generated US$663.5 million, down 2.5% from the same period in 2025.

According to Abics Executive Director Aguinaldo Lima, the difference is mainly explained by international prices, which are currently below the elevated levels recorded last year.

“We shipped considerably more coffee and generated practically the same revenue,” he said.

The result comes amid significant changes in the trade conditions faced by Brazil’s instant coffee industry.

The Mercosur–European Union Interim Trade Agreement came into force on May 1. In the second half of July, the United States added instant coffee to the list of Brazilian products exempt from its new tariff, ending nearly a year of additional duties on the product.

According to Abics, however, these measures are still too recent to explain the growth recorded through July fully.

Exports to the European Union surge 51%

The first signs of recovery are already appearing in some markets. Between May and the end of July, Brazilian instant coffee shipments to the European Union increased 51.4%, reaching 5,200 tonnes.

Exports to the United States also returned to growth in July. Shipments totaled 1,300 tonnes, up 9.5% from the same month in 2025.

“These are achievements, but they are still too recent to explain the volumes already shipped. Neither measure had enough time to be fully reflected in the July figures, but we can already see these markets responding,” Lima said.

According to the executive, the broader effects of the trade changes should become apparent during the second half of the year.

United States remains the leading destination

Despite a decline in the year-to-date figures, the United States remains the leading market for Brazilian instant coffee. Between January and July, the country purchased 8,400 tonnes, down 12% from the same period in 2025.

Abics noted that the comparison was affected by the additional US tariff. The first seven months of 2026 were influenced by the measure introduced in August 2025, whereas the same period last year was still tariff-free.

Argentina and Russia followed, each purchasing 4,600 tonnes. Argentine imports declined 9.6%, while Russian purchases rose 21.9%.

Coffee-producing countries increase purchases from Brazil

One of the survey’s highlights was the growth in sales to countries with significant instant coffee industries.

Colombia ranked fourth among destinations, purchasing 3,400 tonnes, up 145.7% from 2025. Indonesia placed fifth, with 3,200 tonnes and growth of 49.6%.

Mexico, in ninth place, purchased 2,300 tonnes, an increase of 33.2%, while Vietnam rounded out the list of the ten leading destinations, with 2,200 tonnes and growth of 67.2%.

“This movement reinforces the competitiveness of Brazil’s instant coffee industry, which even supplies its direct competitors,” Lima said.

European countries also increased their share. Purchases rose 40.6% in Poland, 103.4% in Estonia and 36.9% in the Netherlands.

Brazilian instant coffee consumption grows 14.4%

Instant coffee consumption is also expanding within Brazil. Between January and July, domestic consumption reached 17,300 tonnes, equivalent to 751,000 bags and representing year-on-year growth of 14.4%.

According to Abics domestic market consultant Eliana Relvas, the industry’s expanding product portfolio helps explain the result.

The market now offers a wider variety of products, including organic, decaffeinated, premium and higher-value coffees, catering to different consumer profiles and consumption occasions.

“Today, we have a very broad range of instant coffees, including organic, decaffeinated, premium and specialty products—in other words, options for different consumption occasions,” she said.

In addition to its traditional use as a beverage, instant coffee is gaining ground as an ingredient in ready-to-drink beverages, powdered products and protein supplements.

Abics believes that product diversification, ease of preparation and industry investment are also helping overcome the resistance historically shown by some Brazilian consumers toward the category.

Source: Canal Rural

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