Coffee, husks, skins and substitutes market in Thailand

Earlier Report Observations

The Thai coffee market opened the period at 87 671 t in 2018, supported by growing consumer interest in specialty coffee and the continuous expansion of coffee shop franchises and new outlets. However, volume fell sharply to 67 589 t in 2019 as global green coffee bean import prices began to rise, increasing costs for domestic roasters and blenders and constraining import volumes.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 reversed the decline, pushing market volume back up to 85 154 t as consumers shifted to drinking more coffee at home. Subsequently, persistently high global bean prices, which peaked in 2022 due to weather-related supply shocks, kept import costs elevated. This contributed to a stabilization of the physical market size around 81 000–82 000 t from 2021 to 2022, even as consumer preference increasingly moved toward fresh and specialty coffee experiences.

From 2022 onward, structural initiatives began to shape the market. The implementation of the National Coffee Development Plan (2020–2030) and legislative changes affecting coffee bean imports and taxation aimed to stimulate local production and add value. This shift in focus, alongside the sustained trend toward premiumization, was reflected in 2023 when the market's monetary value grew by 7.34% despite a slight volume contraction to 80 009 t.

Production coffee, husks, skins and substitutes in Thailand

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Thailand ranked 29th globally in the production volume 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

In 2020, Thailand produced 22 483 tonnes of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, marking a significant year-over-year decline of 14.9%. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production decreased by 13.2%, which translates to an annualized rate of 4.6%. The peak production was recorded in 2019 at 26 424 tonnes, with the largest increase of 11.9% also occurring that year.

Annual dynamics of production in Thailand in kind, 2017-2020, t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Following a two-year upward trend, the production of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes in Thailand experienced a decline. In 2020, the output was valued at 161.3 million US dollars, representing a substantial decrease of 16.5% compared to 2019. From 2017 to 2020, overall production increased by 2.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 0.8%. The highest value was recorded in 2019 at 193.2 million US dollars, accompanied by the largest increase of 20.4% that same year.

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

Exports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes from Thailand

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 3.6-fold difference between the peak in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Thailand's cross-border shipments of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes amounted to 421 tonnes, reflecting a dramatic rise of 139.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 176 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 634 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 72.3%.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, three key markets—Canada, the United States, and Cambodia—collectively accounted for 62.6% of Thailand's total exports in kind of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, pointing to a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated by 3.3 times between the high in 2018 and the low in 2019. In 2020, Thailand exported 3.0 million US dollars worth of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, representing a steep increase of 134.8% over the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 1.3 million US dollars, while the maximum was in 2018 at 4.3 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 70.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Canada (21.7% of exports in value terms), the United States (18.4%), and Japan (16.5%) formed the core of Thailand's exports in value terms, together accounting for 56.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports coffee, husks, skins and substitutes to Thailand

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Thailand imported 63 092 tonnes of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes, which is 52.6% higher than the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 8.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.8%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 41 341 tonnes, while the maximum was in 2018 at 64 686 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, dropping by 36.1%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, imports in kind were heavily concentrated on Vietnam, which accounted for 100.0% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

After a two-year decline, Thailand's imports of coffee, husks, skins, and substitutes saw an increase. In 2020, a total of 82.6 million US dollars worth of these products was imported, equivalent to a sharp gain of 53.7% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 14.2%, with an annualized rate of 5.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 82.6 million US dollars, and the largest decline occurred that year, falling by 40.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Vietnam dominated the country structure of imports in value terms, accounting for 80.9% of total flows, while other destinations contributed relatively small shares.

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

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