Vietnam coffee exports to UK drops

Vietnam’s coffee exports to the U.K. have declined in H1 after its products failed to meet quality requirements and consumer preferences. The fourth wave of Covid-19 that hit the country also affected export activities.

Coffee exports to Britain fell by 48.4 percent in volume terms and 49.3 percent in value to 16,400 tons and $29 million. Vietnam’s share of that coffee market decreased from 27.32 percent to 16.35 percent.

The U.K.’s coffee imports from most of its suppliers increased during the period, except from Vietnam and Honduras. Vietnam’s exports to the country are in the form of raw or semi-processed coffee, while the British mainly consume instant coffee.

Experts said the Vietnamese coffee industry should strive to meet its increasingly stringent requirements and British consumers’ tastes to boost exports.

Vietnam is the second-biggest coffee producer globally behind Brazil. Last year, its exports fell marginally and were worth $2.74 billion.