Coffee Prices Plummet on Supply Surge and Demand Concerns

Coffee market struggles as prices fall sharply due to increased supply and demand worries. A significant reduction in robusta and arabica production supports current prices, yet negative trends may affect major players like Starbucks and Mondelez International.

Date: 17-05-2025

AI Rating: 4

Market Overview
Coffee prices have seen a significant decline recently, with arabica coffee decreasing by 2.49% and robusta coffee dropping by 2.13%. This drop can be primarily attributed to signs of increasing coffee supplies and corresponding demand issues. Reports indicate Brazil's coffee sales for the 2024/25 season are largely completed, surpassing last year’s pace.

Additionally, current coffee inventories have surged, adding to the bearish sentiment. Notably, ICE-monitored robusta coffee inventories reached a 7.5-month high while arabica inventories hit a 3-month high, both contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Supply Dynamics
Forecasts from various agencies underscore an anticipated increase in global coffee production, particularly from Brazil and Honduras. The USDA projects that world coffee production in 2024/25 will rise by 4%, alongside a notable increase in both arabica and robusta production. Brazil’s revised production estimates, alongside data that show reduced exports individually, highlight a complex supply landscape that could stabilize or further push down prices.

Demand Factors
Demand-side concerns are significant, particularly as major U.S. commodity importers like Starbucks and Hershey express worries that a proposed increase in tariffs will elevate costs, potentially reducing sales volumes in a price-sensitive market. This scenario creates a negative outlook for retail companies dependent on coffee products, as higher input costs could translate to higher prices for consumers and reduced demand.

Weather Impacts
Weather conditions in Brazil have also impacted coffee prices, as insufficient rainfall in key growing areas presents delivery risks. Without adequate rainfall, the predicted growth in production might not materialize, thereby supporting current prices, at least temporarily.

Regardless, on the whole, sentiment remains bearish given the volume of supply news weighing heavily on price expectations. The mixed signals regarding coffee production and the ongoing tariff discussions create significant uncertainty for investors. With input from the USDA and other market analysts, it will be critical for investors to monitor ongoing supply-demand patterns and geopolitical influences that could further sway prices.

Stocks: SBUX HSY MDLZ