Coffee, husks, skins and substitutes market in China

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2020, the Chinese coffee market volume grew from 88 000 t to 134 000 t. This expansion was supported by the rapid growth of the domestic coffee machine market, where local brands gained share through competitive pricing and product variety, and by the rising store count of international chains like Starbucks, which helped popularize coffee culture. Despite the global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, China's market recovered swiftly, with coffee consumption habits continuing to develop.

Market volume surged to 203 900 t in 2021, a jump influenced by extreme weather in key producing nations Brazil and Vietnam, which tightened global supply, raised bean prices, and increased China's import volume. The following year, volume contracted to 185 600 t, a period during which competition among major chains like Luckin Coffee and Starbucks intensified and widespread price wars became a defining feature of the retail landscape.

By 2023, the market reached 244 100 t. This growth coincided with the aggressive expansion of new players such as Cotti Coffee, the continuation of intense price competition making 9.9 yuan coffee commonplace, and a shift in consumer preferences towards higher-quality and specialty coffee. Simultaneously, rising global coffee bean prices, driven by climate-related supply chain tensions, prompted industry efforts to strengthen supply chain cooperation.

Production coffee, husks, skins and substitutes in China

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

From 2017 to 2020, China ranked 16th globally in the production of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes.

Top producers of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

World map of production of coffee, husks, skins and substitutes, 2017-2020

China's production of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes saw a two-year increase before declining. In 2019, output peaked at 120.0 K t, marking a 3.9% rise. However, by 2020, production fell to 114.0 K t, a decrease of 5.0% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of production in China in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year decline, China's production value for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes rebounded. In 2019, it hit a low of 265.0 M $ US, with the largest drop of 25.4% occurring in 2018. By 2020, the value increased to 309.9 M $ US, up 16.9% year-over-year. Overall, from 2017 to 2020, production value decreased by 18.4%, averaging a 6.6% annual decline.

Annual dynamics of production in China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes from China

Exports in kind, t

China's exports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes declined for the second year in a row. In 2018, exports reached a high of 93 900 t, with a significant increase of 31.8%. However, in 2019, they fell by 26.7%, and by 2020, exports dropped to 50 605 t, down 26.5% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 29%, equivalent to an annualized rate of 10.8%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, China's exports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes in kind were not dominated by any single market. Germany accounted for 27.3% of exports, Vietnam for 12.9%, and the United States for 9.1%, together making up 49.3% of the total. Many smaller partners held modest individual shares, indicating a diversified export structure.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, M $ US

China's export value for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 137.6 M $ US, down 9.5% from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 42%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -16.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

During 2017-2020, China's exports in value terms for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes were relatively evenly distributed. Germany led with 25.4% of exports, followed by Hong Kong at 11.0%, and Vietnam at 9.7%, together accounting for 46.2% of total flows. Numerous other countries contributed smaller but notable shares.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from China in value, 2017-2020

Imports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes to China

Imports in kind, t

China's imports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes in kind showed improvement. In 2019, imports were at a low of 65 170 t, with a decline of 1.8%. By 2020, imports rose to 70 626 t, an increase of 8.4% compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 7.9%, with a CAGR of 2.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Brazil were the key partners for China's imports in kind. Vietnam accounted for 31.0% of imports, Indonesia for 10.9%, and Brazil for 10.7%, together making up 52.7% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, M $ US

China's import value for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes increased in 2020. In 2019, imports saw a decline of 10.9%, but by 2020, the value reached 313.1 M $ US, up 16.1% from the previous year. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 19.4%, with a CAGR of 6.1%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2017-2020, China's imports in value terms for coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes came from a broad range of suppliers. Vietnam contributed 16.3% of imports, Malaysia 14.6%, and Italy 9.9%, together accounting for 40.9% of the total. Many other countries held smaller but significant shares, reflecting a diverse import portfolio.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to China in value, 2017-2020