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August 6, 2026 · Comunicaffe International

Coffee Futures Rise as Weather in Vietnam and El Niño Concerns Mount

Coffee futures markets saw gains in mid-August, with Robusta hitting a multi-week high. The rally is linked to dry weather forecasts in Vietnam, persistent El Niño fears, and shifting export dynamics in key producing countries.

Photo: Flux

Coffee futures markets continued their upward trend in a recent mid-week session, with New York marking its second straight gain and London its fifth. The ICE Arabica contract for September delivery closed at 326.90 cents per pound, a 0.9% increase. Meanwhile, the ICE Robusta contract for November delivery climbed 0.8% to settle at $3,884, its highest point in several weeks.

The primary drivers behind the market movement are environmental. Analysts point to a reduced likelihood of rain in Vietnam's Central Highlands, a key Robusta-growing region, as a significant factor. This immediate weather concern is compounded by broader anxiety over a developing El Niño event, which could disrupt global coffee production in the upcoming season. Adding to supply-side pressures, certified Arabica stocks continued to decline, falling to 251,417 bags.

Export data from major producers presents a complex picture. Vietnam's customs authority reported a 43.3% year-on-year surge in coffee exports for July, a trend possibly accelerated by European buyers securing inventory before the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR) takes effect. Conversely, while Colombia's National Federation of Coffee Growers announced a 43% year-on-year production increase for June, the country's exports for the first half of 2026 fell by 18%. This export slowdown is attributed in part to a strong Colombian peso, which has reduced revenue for producers and encouraged them to moderate sales.

FAQ

Prices rose due to concerns about dry weather in Vietnam's coffee regions and the potential impact of a strong El Niño event on global production.

Vietnam's coffee exports in July increased by 43.3% year-on-year, potentially driven by EU buyers purchasing ahead of new deforestation regulations (EUDR).

While Colombia's production rose in June, its exports for the first half of 2026 were down 18% year-on-year, partly because a strong local currency has made selling less profitable.

Source: Comunicaffe International

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