Coffee Prices Recover Amid Mixed Global Supply Signals

Coffee markets show resilience as Brazilian real strengthens, supporting prices. A 28% drop in Brazilian April exports could favor coffee futures, though rising global inventories and production forecasts present challenges.

Date: 14-05-2025

AI Rating: 6

Market Recovery Dynamics
The coffee market's recovery, particularly in arabica and robusta coffee prices, can primarily be attributed to the strengthening of the Brazilian real, which is discouraging export selling from Brazil, a significant player in the coffee market. As coffee producer group Cecafe reported a substantial decline in Brazil’s April coffee exports by 28% year-on-year, this should help stabilize coffee prices in the near term by reducing the available supply in the market.

The impact of Brazil's export decline is particularly significant because Brazil remains a crucial coffee producer globally. The market may expect a temporary boost in prices due to these supply constraints; however, this is counterbalanced by other factors that paint a mixed outlook for coffee prices.

Impact of Expected Production Increases
Further complicating the market dynamics are the forecasts of increased coffee production. The USDA anticipates that 2025/26 coffee production in Honduras will rise by 5.1% year-on-year, while reports indicate Brazil’s robusta coffee production is also poised for growth. This contrasts sharply with the 13.6% expected drop in Brazil's arabica coffee output due to adverse weather conditions that have affected crop flowering.

Stock Levels and Global Supply
Data showing increased coffee inventories adds a bearish dimension to the market outlook. With ICE-monitored arabica and robusta coffee inventories reaching multi-month highs, and the overall global inventory situation improving, this could suppress prices in the medium term as excess supply absorbs demand. Moreover, the bearish impact becomes pronounced in the face of demand concerns articulated by major companies like Starbucks and Hershey, indicating a potential slowdown in sales volume due to rising import tariffs.

Conclusion on Price Movements
The overall sentiment points toward a complex interplay between production forecasts, weather impacts, and demand fluctuations. While some short-term support comes from reduced exports and currency fluctuations, longer-term pricing will likely trend lower in light of rising global supply and cooling demand pressures.

Stocks: SBUX HSY MDLZ