Did S. Korea's Coffee Bean Imports Really Surge 13% in 2024?
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Synopsis
South Korea's coffee bean imports are on the rise, with projections indicating a record-breaking year in 2024. This surge, reflected in customs data, highlights a growing demand for coffee in the country. Discover the statistics and insights behind this fascinating trend and what it means for the coffee industry.
Key Takeaways
- South Korea's coffee bean imports surged by 13% in 2024.
- Total imports reached $1.24 billion last year.
- Brazil is the leading exporter of coffee to South Korea.
- Predictions indicate record high imports this year.
- Asia's decaffeinated coffee market is set for significant growth.
Seoul, Oct 8 (NationPress) In 2024, South Korea has witnessed a significant surge in coffee bean imports, marking an impressive increase compared to the previous year. Customs data released on Wednesday indicates that imports are projected to hit a remarkable peak this year.
Last year, the total value of coffee bean imports, encompassing both raw and roasted varieties, reached $1.24 billion, representing a 13 percent increase from $1.1 billion in the prior year, according to the Korea Customs Service (KCS), as reported by Yonhap News Agency.
When looking at volume, imports rose by 5.7 percent year-on-year, totaling 194,809 tons in 2024.
Brazil contributed significantly, accounting for 21 percent of the total import value and 30 percent of the volume.
Following Brazil, Colombia and Vietnam secured the second and third positions, exporting 29,835 tons and 29,781 tons of coffee beans to South Korea, respectively.
Experts predict that this year’s coffee imports will reach an all-time high, as shipments in the first eight months have already approached last year’s total.
From January to August, imports amounted to $1.17 billion, reflecting a substantial 31 percent increase compared to the same period last year.
A KCS official stated, "If the current trend continues, the total coffee imports for this year are likely to exceed last year's figures." In terms of volume, imports rose approximately 1 percent year-on-year to 136,318 tons during the first eight months of 2025.
South Korea's coffee imports have shown a consistent upward trend since 2018, peaking at $1.3 billion in 2022 before slightly decreasing to $1.1 billion in 2023.
Additionally, a report from IndexBox forecasts that Asia's decaffeinated coffee market will experience robust growth, reaching 850,000 tons in volume and $4.7 billion in value by 2035.
India is currently the leading market, recognized as both the largest consumer (274,000 tons) and top producer, holding a significant 38 percent share.
Notably, approximately 90 percent of the region's decaffeinated coffee is unroasted, both in terms of production and consumption.
Point of View
I see this surge in coffee imports as a reflection of evolving consumer preferences in South Korea. The growth is not just impressive in numbers but indicates a cultural shift toward coffee consumption. It’s essential to remain mindful of these trends and their implications for local and global markets.
NationPress
08/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main countries exporting coffee to South Korea?
Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam are the primary exporters of coffee to South Korea.
What is the projected value of South Korea's coffee imports in 2024?
South Korea's coffee imports are projected to reach an all-time high, with a value of $1.24 billion last year.
How much did South Korea's coffee imports increase in volume?
In terms of volume, imports rose by 5.7% year-on-year to 194,809 tons in 2024.
What is the future outlook for Asia's decaffeinated coffee market?
Asia’s decaffeinated coffee market is expected to grow significantly, reaching 850,000 tons in volume and $4.7 billion in value by 2035.
Who is the largest consumer of decaffeinated coffee in Asia?
India leads as the largest consumer of decaffeinated coffee in Asia, with a consumption of 274,000 tons.
