Colombia needs 2 more months to end delays in coffee exports
Colombian coffee exporters would need at least two more months to make up for delays in shipments caused by anti-government protests in May, according to the FNC, the coffee farmers’ association.
FNC’s chief executive, Roberto Velez, told reporters that 700,000 bags of coffee were unable to be exported due to protests that shut down highways leading to ports, but that the flow of products has now returned to normal in the country, which is the world’s second-largest producer of arabica coffee.
Despite other challenges such as container shortages, Velez said the federation, which is by far the largest exporter of Colombian coffee, will not modify its forecast for shipments in 2021, which is presently estimated at 11.5-12 million bags.
“We are sure that we will be able to fill all of the containers. I don’t believe this will jeopardise our efforts to restore normalcy in coffee exports by August “During a conference call from the FNC’s New York headquarters, he told reporters.
Colombian coffee has a substantial market share in the world’s largest consumer, the United States. Due to the export delays, US roasters have been unable to guarantee supplies, forcing them to pay higher rates for lots that are already in the country.
According to Velez, there was likely a minor replacement of Colombian coffee in the market, with some roasters moving to other mild arabica sources. However, he believes that this was restricted owing to a lack of coffees in Central America and a lesser Brazilian harvest this year.
