The 2023-2024 crop year recorded many fluctuations but also brought positive results for the Vietnamese coffee industry.
According to the General Department of Customs, the whole country exports 1,476,842 tons of coffee, earning 5.425 billion USD. Although the output decreased by 11.3% compared to the previous crop, the export value still increased by nearly 33% thanks to the record high price, exceeding VND 100,000/kg for the first time and currently over VND 120,000/kg.
Dak Lak - the coffee capital of Vietnam - contributes about 18% of export turnover. The "Buon Ma Thuot Coffee" brand has been present in more than 80 countries and territories, contributing to affirming Vietnam's position as the second largest coffee supplier in the world, after Brazil.
Despite many achievements, coffee exports face many challenges.
Simexco Dak Lak Sustainable Agriculture Director (one of Vietnam's leading coffee exporters) - Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung - pointed out two major challenges including climate change and technical barriers for importers.
First is climate change, which leads to a decline in water resources for coffee plantations. The weather in the Central Highlands is no longer as clear as before.
The period when coffee trees differentiate flower buds and when the harvest is in dire need of drying out is when it rains, while the dry season is long and the heat is harsh. Unfavorable weather has reduced coffee productivity and quality.
The export market also faces many challenges when importers build strict technical standards. This includes EU anti-deforestation regulation (EUDR) - a market that accounts for 41% of Vietnam's coffee exports.
To meet the above requirements, according to Mr. Dung, it is necessary to build a digital map and trace the origin to each farming household. This requires a lot of time and money because the production area is still small with about 600 farming households. Therefore, support from the central government, localities, businesses as well as adaptation and cooperation of farmers are needed...
To improve the quality and value of coffee brands, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha emphasized the need for a common strategic vision.
He called on ministries, branches, localities and businesses to cooperate in building high-quality, low-emission growing areas and applying advanced technology...
