Global coffee exports rose by seven per cent to 56.1 million bags in the first half of the current year that started from October, due to a significant spurt in shipments from Vietnam and Indonesia, according to the International Coffee Organisation (ICO).

World coffee exports stood at 52.41 million bags in the October—March period of the 2011—12 coffee year, which runs from October to September. One bag contains 60 kg of beans.

“Total exports by all exporting countries reached 56.1 million bags between October 2012 and March 2013, an all—time record volume for the first half of the coffee year,” ICO said in its report.

This increase has been driven largely by strong growth in shipments of robustas, which rose by 15 per cent to 22.2 million bags in the first six months of this year.

Also, the ICO said, “It is noticeable that Vietnam has started to converge with Brazil as exports have continued to increase significantly. Indonesia has also seen very strong exports during this time period.”

Brazil, the world’s leading coffee exporter, has exported nearly 16 million bags so far in the 2012—13 coffee year, 0.8 per cent more than in 2011—12, as per ICO data.

Coffee exports from Vietnam, the world’s second biggest exporter, rose by 9.5 per cent to 12.4 million bags.

Indonesia, the world’s third biggest coffee exporter, also recorded a strong increase of 71.4 per cent to reach 5.2 million bags, although there was a slight decrease by India to 2.5 million in the fist six months of this year.

According to the ICO data, coffee exports from Africa increased by 30.2 per cent to 5.4 million bags, its highest level since 2002—03. Uganda was the top exporter in Africa, at 1.6 million bags, followed by Ethiopia at 1.4 million bags.

A more modest increase of 4.9 per cent was recorded in Mexico and Central America, with exports of 7.4 million bags representing the highest level since 2000—01.

Among coffee varieties, export of Colombian Milds and Brazilian Naturals also increased year—on—year, by 12 per cent and 8.2 per cent, to reach 4.9 million and 17.3 million bags, respectively.

Exports of Other Milds, on the other hand, fell by 8.3 per cent compared to 11.7 million bags in the review period.

Total production in 2012—13 crop year is estimated at 144.7 million bags.

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