Coffee

Espírito Santo Exports 8.3 Million Coffee Bags in 2024, Setting a Historic Record

Feb, 03, 2025 Posted by Denise Vilera

Week 202505

In 2024, Espírito Santo recorded its highest coffee export volume in history, with 8.3 million bags shipped through the state’s ports. This volume surpassed the previous record, set in 2002, by 1.21%. Conilon coffee stood out, accounting for 84% of exports with over 7 million bags, while arabica made up 9% (754,000 bags) and soluble coffee represented 7% (571,000 bags).

The coffee export industry generated BRL 10.5 billion in 2024. Compared to 2023, total exports increased by 61%, with conilon exports growing by 75%, arabica by 10%, and soluble coffee by 14%. Espírito Santo accounted for 17% of Brazil’s total coffee exports in 2024 and 75% of the country’s condition coffee exports, according to the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé). Of the 9.4 million bags of conilon coffee exported by Brazil, 7 million were shipped from Espírito Santo’s ports, a difference of 2.3 million bags.

Belgium (12%), Mexico (12%), the United States (10%), Italy (8%), and Spain (7%) were the leading destinations for Espírito Santo’s coffee. While the U.S. imported significant volumes of conilon, arabica, and soluble coffee, the other countries primarily focused on conilon. Spain and Italy replaced the United Kingdom and Indonesia among the top five importers in 2024.

A notable highlight was China, which rose from 53rd to 26th place among Espírito Santo’s largest coffee importers, with a 1,729% increase in conilon imports, jumping from 2,266 bags in 2023 to 41,453 bags in 2024.

The total revenue from exports reached USD 1.8 billion (BRL 10.5 billion at current exchange rates), marking a 119% increase compared to 2023. The average price per bag rose by 37%, from USD 158 in 2023 to USD 216 in 2024. Conilon saw the largest price increase, rising 43% to USD 211 per bag. Arabica averaged USD 264 per bag (+26%), and soluble coffee reached USD 214 per bag (+23%).

Despite the record-breaking numbers, logistics remained a challenge. Port limitations in Vitória, congestion, container shortages, and increased imports of electric cars impacted export flows. According to the Vitória Coffee Trade Center (CCCV), at least 3.5 million bags were shipped through other ports, such as Rio de Janeiro, Santos, and Açu, raising the total export volume to approximately 12 million bags and revenue to USD 2.7 billion.

To overcome container shortages, exporters adopted break-bulk shipping, using big bags loaded directly into ship holds, bypassing the need for containers. This method facilitated the export of over 260,000 bags, including shipments from Portocel (Aracruz) outside Greater Vitória.

According to CCCV President Fabrício Tristão, Vitória’s port has long faced restrictions on docking large container ships. “This limitation makes the terminal function as a feeder hub, meaning shipments must be transferred to larger vessels at other ports, increasing transit time and local maritime freight costs.” He added that global and domestic shipping congestion, container shortages, infrastructure renovations at Espírito Santo’s container terminal, and the surge in electric car imports further aggravated delays. “These factors caused shipment delays of up to four months. In the end, many importers chose to reroute their shipments through other ports outside Espírito Santo.”

The CCCV forecasts that coffee exports will remain strong in 2025, maintaining a new baseline export volume despite ongoing logistical challenges. With improvements in port infrastructure, Espírito Santo has the potential to export between 8 and 9 million bags annually.

At the end of 2024, CCCV and Vports (Espírito Santo’s port authority) signed an agreement to implement practical solutions and set concrete goals for overcoming logistical obstacles and increasing shipments through Vitória’s port. Additionally, new port projects in Espírito Santo—including Imetame, Petrocity, Porto Central, and the expansion of coffee shipments via Portocel—point to a promising future for the state’s coffee exports in the coming years.

Source: Folha Vitória

Sharing is caring!

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.