South Korea coffee imports declined in early 2026, but long-term demand continues to grow. Explore the latest coffee import trends, Vietnam’s export performance, market forecasts, and opportunities for global coffee suppliers.
South Korea Coffee Imports Decline
The South Korea coffee imports market experienced a noticeable slowdown during the first four months of 2026. According to the latest trade data, import volumes declined compared to the same period last year, reflecting ongoing adjustments in global coffee supply and pricing.
However, this short-term decline does not indicate weakening consumer demand. On the contrary, industry analysts expect South Korea’s coffee market to continue expanding over the next decade, driven by a thriving café culture, rising demand for premium coffee, and evolving consumer preferences.
For coffee-exporting countries such as Vietnam and Brazil, South Korea remains one of Asia’s most attractive and promising coffee markets.
South Korea Imported 58,100 Tons of Coffee in Early 2026
According to the International Trade Centre (ITC), South Korea imported:
- 58,100 metric tons of coffee during the first four months of 2026.
- Total import value reached USD 514.6 million.
Compared with the same period in 2025:
- Import volume decreased by 16.7%
- Import value declined by 4.7%
The smaller decline in value compared to volume suggests that global coffee prices remained relatively high despite reduced purchasing activity.
The International Coffee Organization (ICO) also reported that coffee prices during the 2025/26 season remained above historical averages due to tighter supplies from major producing countries and persistent climate-related production challenges.
Vietnam Remains a Key Supplier
Brazil continues to be South Korea’s largest coffee supplier, while Vietnam holds the second position, highlighting its importance in the country’s coffee supply chain.
During the first four months of 2026, South Korea imported:
- 10,600 metric tons of coffee from Vietnam
- Worth approximately USD 44.5 million
Compared to the same period in 2025:
- Import volume from Vietnam fell by 27.3%
- Import value declined by 34.7%
Several factors contributed to this temporary decline:
- Limited exportable coffee supplies.
- Continued volatility in international coffee prices.
- Importers adjusting inventory levels after heavy purchasing in previous months.
- More cautious buying behavior amid global economic uncertainty.
Despite these short-term challenges, Vietnam remains one of South Korea’s most important coffee trading partners.
Coffee Consumption Keeps Growing
While South Korea coffee imports have slowed temporarily, domestic coffee consumption continues to show remarkable resilience.
According to USDA and Euromonitor International:
- South Koreans consume approximately 400–500 cups of coffee per person each year, making the country one of Asia’s largest coffee-consuming markets.
- The country now has more than 100,000 coffee shops, ranking among the world’s highest café densities.
- Major chains such as Starbucks Korea, Mega Coffee, Compose Coffee, Paik’s Coffee, and Ediya Coffee continue expanding nationwide.
Beyond traditional coffee, consumers are increasingly embracing:
- Specialty coffee
- Single-origin coffee
- Cold brew
- Pour-over coffee
- Ready-to-drink (RTD) coffee
- Premium instant coffee
These evolving preferences are creating new opportunities for exporters offering higher-value coffee products.
Coffee Market Growth by 2035
Although imports have softened in the short term, the long-term outlook remains highly optimistic.
According to market research reports:
- South Korea’s coffee market was valued at approximately USD 13.67 billion in 2025.
- The market is projected to reach USD 34.5 billion by 2035.
This represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 9.7% between 2026 and 2035.
Several factors are driving this impressive growth:
- A deeply rooted coffee culture.
- Rising disposable incomes.
- Strong demand for premium beverages.
- Expansion of specialty cafés.
- Rapid growth of e-commerce.
- Increasing popularity of takeaway coffee.
These trends indicate that South Korea will remain one of Asia’s fastest-growing coffee markets over the coming decade.
Demand Shifts to Premium Coffee
One of the most significant developments in South Korea coffee imports is the shift from quantity to quality.
Coffee roasters, retailers, and café chains are increasingly sourcing:
- Specialty Arabica
- Fine Robusta
- Certified coffee
- Organic coffee
- Sustainably sourced coffee
- Traceable coffee
- Single-origin coffee
Consumers are no longer choosing coffee based solely on price. Instead, they value:
- Coffee origin
- Flavor profile
- Sustainability
- Ethical sourcing
- Transparency throughout the supply chain
This trend aligns with global consumer preferences and creates significant opportunities for exporters capable of delivering premium-quality coffee.
Opportunities for Vietnamese Coffee Exporters
As the world’s largest exporter of Robusta coffee, Vietnam is well positioned to strengthen its presence in South Korea.
Beyond green coffee beans, exporters can expand into higher-value segments such as:
- Roasted coffee
- Instant coffee
- Freeze-dried coffee
- Spray-dried coffee
- OEM and private label coffee
- Specialty coffee
- Fine Robusta
- Da Lat Arabica
South Korean buyers increasingly seek products that offer:
- Consistent quality
- Traceable origins
- Modern packaging
- International certifications
- Strong brand stories
As competition shifts away from price alone, Vietnamese exporters investing in quality and value-added processing will be better positioned for long-term success.
Future Market Outlook
Although South Korea coffee imports declined during the first four months of 2026, the long-term fundamentals remain exceptionally strong. With the coffee market expected to grow from USD 13.67 billion in 2025 to USD 34.5 billion by 2035, South Korea will continue to offer significant opportunities for global coffee exporters.
For Vietnam, maintaining its position as the country’s second-largest coffee supplier provides a strong foundation for future growth. By focusing on premium coffee, sustainable production, value-added processing, and product innovation, Vietnamese exporters can capture an even larger share of one of Asia’s most dynamic coffee markets.
Why Helena Coffee Vietnam?
At Helena Coffee Vietnam, we supply a comprehensive range of premium coffee products, including green Robusta, Arabica, Fine Robusta, Specialty Coffee, Freeze-Dried Instant Coffee, Spray-Dried Instant Coffee, and OEM/Private Label solutions for international brands. With strict quality control, reliable sourcing, and extensive export experience, we help importers, roasters, distributors, and retailers build successful coffee businesses worldwide. If you’re looking for a trusted coffee supplier for the South Korean market, Helena Coffee Vietnam is ready to support your growth with consistent quality and tailored solutions.
👉 Visit www.helenacoffee.vn or Info@helenacoffee.vn to explore our products and request a direct quote today!
