Kenya Coffee Prices Hit Crop-Year High, Defy Global Slump

Kenya’s coffee prices rose to their highest level of the crop year in the latest auction, defying a global slump in coffee futures driven by improved weather in Brazil.

Kenyan arabica rose to $261 per 50-kilo bag this week, up from $251 at the previous sale, reflecting strong demand for the country’s high-grade beans.

In contrast, December arabica futures in New York fell by 0.04 percent amid a broader decline, highlighting Kenya’s sensitivity to global price shifts, as 95 percent of its coffee exports are sold abroad.

Robusta coffee prices declined further on Tuesday, reaching a two-month low as recent rainfall eased drought concerns.

Brazil’s Minas Gerais, a key arabica-growing region, received 36.8 mm of rain last week—115 percent above the seasonal average—according to weather man.

The area contributes nearly 30 percent of Brazil’s arabica output, and increased rainfall is expected to alleviate stress on coffee trees.

Below-average rainfall in Brazil since April has stressed coffee crops, impacting the 2025/26 arabica outlook.

In 2021, Kenya benefited from elevated global prices following a severe frost in Brazil that constrained supply.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s government is advancing coffee sector reforms aimed at increasing farmer earnings by reducing intermediaries in the supply chain.

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