Coffee prices today (January 13) show mixed movements across global and domestic markets. While Vietnam’s domestic coffee prices remain stable at elevated levels, international markets are diverging: robusta prices rebounded modestly, supported by a weaker US dollar, while arabica prices continued to face downward pressure.
The current market reflects a balance between short-term uncertainty and supportive long-term fundamentals, including steady demand, high production costs, and limited supply growth.
Domestic coffee prices hold steady at high levels
In Vietnam, coffee prices today remained largely unchanged compared to the previous session. Prices across the Central Highlands continued to trade within a narrow range of VND 97,500–97,800 per kg, signalling a short-term equilibrium between supply and demand.
Key producing provinces such as Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Dak Nong reported minimal price differences between regions. Purchasing activity remained steady but not particularly active, suggesting that the market has entered a temporary consolidation phase after mild volatility earlier in the month.
Market participants note that many farmers, having sold part of their crop to cover early-season cash needs, are now holding back inventories, waiting for clearer price signals. On the buying side, traders and exporters are also cautious, refraining from aggressive accumulation in the absence of a strong upward catalyst.
Global coffee prices show divergent trends
Robusta prices recover on the London market
On the international stage, coffee prices showed contrasting movements between the two major varieties.
During the January 12 trading session, robusta futures on the London exchange reversed earlier losses and moved higher:
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March 2026 contract rose 0.36%, or USD 14 per tonne, to USD 3,917 per tonne
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May 2026 contract increased 0.21%, or USD 8 per tonne, to USD 3,845 per tonne
The rebound was largely attributed to a weaker US dollar, which encouraged short-covering activity in the futures market. Currency movements continue to play a critical role in shaping short-term coffee price dynamics, particularly for robusta.
Arabica prices remain under pressure
In contrast, arabica prices on the New York exchange continued to decline:
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March 2026 contract fell 0.44%, or 1.6 US cents per pound, to 356.05 US cents per pound
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May 2026 contract dropped 0.42%, or 1.45 US cents per pound, to 338.45 US cents per pound
Arabica prices remain weighed down by easing concerns over supply from Colombia and improving weather expectations in Brazil, the world’s largest arabica producer.
Weather and currency factors influence coffee prices
According to Barchart, global coffee prices ended the early-week session with mixed performance amid forecasts of rainfall in parts of central Brazil, which helped reduce fears of prolonged drought conditions.
Meteorological agency Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-growing state, received 26.5 mm of rainfall in the week ending January 9 approximately 29% of the historical average. While rainfall remains below normal, the improvement has eased market anxiety around potential crop losses.
At the same time, fluctuations in the US dollar index continue to influence coffee prices. A softer dollar generally supports commodity prices by making them more attractive to non-US buyers, particularly in futures markets.
Global exports rise, driven by robusta
According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), global green coffee exports increased 4.8% year on year in November, reaching 8.95 million 60-kg bags.
Growth was driven primarily by robusta exports, which surged 28% to 3.24 million bags. Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer, played a leading role, with exports jumping 93% to 1.47 million bags. Uganda and Indonesia also recorded notable increases.
By contrast, arabica exports declined:
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Colombian arabica exports fell 0.9% to 1.24 million bags
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Brazilian arabica exports dropped sharply by 14.7% to 3.25 million bags
The ICO attributed the decline to tighter domestic supply in Brazil and the lingering effects of US import tariffs, which were only lifted in mid-November.
Short-term volatility, supportive fundamentals
Despite recent fluctuations, the underlying fundamentals of the coffee market remain relatively supportive. Global demand continues to be stable, production costs are high, and supply growth remains constrained in several key producing countries.
In Vietnam, the coffee harvest is entering its final stage, meaning that domestic supply is gradually tightening. This factor is expected to provide ongoing support for local coffee prices, even if international markets remain volatile in the short term.
Outlook for coffee prices
Looking ahead, coffee prices are likely to remain sensitive to:
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Currency movements, particularly the US dollar
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Weather developments in Brazil and Southeast Asia
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Export flows from major robusta producers
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Farmer selling behaviour and inventory levels
While arabica prices may continue to face near-term pressure, robusta prices appear better supported by strong export demand and limited supply expansion.
Conclusion
Coffee prices today (January 13) reflect a market in transition. Robusta has found modest support from currency dynamics, while arabica remains under pressure from improving supply expectations. Domestically, Vietnam’s coffee prices continue to trade at historically high levels, supported by balanced supply-demand conditions and cautious selling behaviour.
As global fundamentals remain firm, the coffee market is expected to regain clearer direction once stronger macroeconomic or supply-side signals emerge.
At Helena Coffee Vietnam, we closely track global coffee prices and market movements to support our partners with timely insights and reliable supply. By sourcing directly from farmers and delivering consistent, traceable green and processed coffees, Helena Coffee helps roasters and traders navigate price volatility with confidence. As markets shift, we remain a trusted origin partner focused on quality, transparency, and long-term value.
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