Global

According to a statement released by the International Coffee Organization (ICO) world coffee exports amounted to 9.33 million bags in March 2009, compared with 8.87 million bags in March 2008.

Exports in the first six months of the coffee year 2008-09 (October 8 to March 9) have increased by 4.9% to 48.9 million bags compared with 46.6 million bags in the corresponding period in the last coffee year. In the 12 months ending March 2009, exports of arabica totaled 63.4 million bags compared with 62.5 million bags last year whereas robusta exports amounted to 34.5 million bags compared with 33.3 million bags.

According to the India Coffee Board sources, depleted stocks of Colombian mild washed arabicas continue to provide support for futures prices in the ICE. In addition, delayed harvests out of Central America and a smaller 2009-10 crop from Brazil contribute to the bullish tone.

Global coffee exports rose by almost 7% to 40.4 million bags in the first five months of the crop year 2008-09, according to the ICO.

"Global coffee exports from October to February in the crop year 2007-08 stood at 37.8 million bags," according to the ICO. "Global coffee exports increased due to a significant rise in shipments from top exporting countries Brazil and Vietnam."

Coffee exports from Brazil, the world’s largest coffee exporter, surged by 24% between October 2008 and February 2009 while Vietnam’s shipments increased by 12.25% over the previous year. Shipments from Indonesia rose marginally by 5% according to the statement.

Global coffee production of 13,33,62,000 bags is estimated to be higher by 15.31% during the crop year 2008-09 compared with 11,56,50,000 bags last year, ICO said.