Coffee Industry Daily Press Review – Nov 18, 2025

Robusta Prices Surge, Arabica Remains Weak

Robusta coffee prices rebounded sharply on November 18, 2025, with the December 2025 contract reaching $4,411 per ton on the London market, up $188 from the previous session. This marks a strong technical recovery after a prolonged period of declines, driven by renewed speculative buying and increased demand from major European and Asian buyers preparing for winter. In contrast, Arabica futures on ICE New York continued their downward trend, pressured by global oversupply concerns and the recent announcement of possible US tariff exemptions. Domestic Vietnamese prices in the Central Highlands region traded between 108,500 and 110,500 VND/kg, reflecting cautious sentiment amid the diverging global trends (Baonghean, November 18, 2025; Trading Economics, November 17, 2025).

Trump Administration Announces Coffee Tariff Exemption

The US government has issued an executive order exempting coffee from reciprocal tariffs, citing insufficient domestic production. While not all tariffs are eliminated, the move is expected to ease pressure on mass-market coffee prices and could lead to lower retail costs for consumers. The announcement follows months of industry lobbying and comes amid record-high coffee prices earlier in 2025. The market reacted with a slight dip in C price futures, reflecting improved supply outlook (Fresh Cup Magazine, November 17, 2025; CNN, November 17, 2025).

Luckin Coffee Nears 30,000 Global Locations

Luckin Coffee reported a 50.2% year-on-year increase in net revenues for Q3 2025, reaching RMB15.29 billion (US$2.1 billion). The company now operates 29,214 stores worldwide, with 18,882 self-operated and 10,332 partnership outlets. Luckin also revealed plans to relist on a US main board, following a five-year turnaround from its previous accounting scandal. The expansion is supported by a record 112.3 million transacting customers in the quarter (Global Coffee Report, November 18, 2025).

South Korea’s The Venti Enters US Market

The Venti, a low-cost Korean coffee chain, has signed a multiunit franchise agreement to launch outlets in the western United States. The move follows similar expansions by Luckin Coffee and Cotti Coffee, reflecting growing Asian competition in the US market. The Venti currently operates over 1,500 stores in South Korea and has a presence in Canada and Vietnam (Global Coffee Report, November 18, 2025).

$187 Million Invested in Brazil’s Largest Coffee Farm

A joint venture between Santos & Dias and Ruiz Coffee will create Jacurutu Coffee, the world’s largest continuous land Arabica farm, covering over 5,500 hectares in Minas Gerais, Brazil. The project, valued at US$187.5 million, will be fully irrigated and is projected to produce 260,000 60kg bags annually once operational in 2028. The investment underscores the sector’s focus on scale and climate resilience (Global Coffee Report, November 18, 2025).

Direct Trade Faces Volatility Challenges

Direct trade models in the coffee industry are being reevaluated due to persistent price volatility in 2025. While direct trade offers transparency and quality control, the record highs and sharp swings in coffee prices have forced many roasters and importers to reassess their sourcing strategies and risk management approaches (Perfect Daily Grind, November 18, 2025).