HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam shipped 170,000 tonnes (2.83 million 60-kg bags) of coffee in January, up 11.5 percent from December, according to new customs data released on Thursday. This figure exceeds both government and market expectations. Traders had expected January exports to be between 130,000 and 140,000 tonnes.
The government had estimated a figure at 155,000 tonnes.
The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association reiterated the fear that the Central Highlands coffee belt could face drought in coming months affecting Robusta production.
But most Vietnam-based traders contacted by Reuters last week said the weather in the region had been fine, with underground water sufficient for the ongoing watering phase.
