South Korea’s coffee bean imports rose sharply in 2024, and this year they are expected to hit a record high. Customs data released on Wednesday showed that imports, including raw and roasted beans, reached $1.24 billion last year, up 13% from $1.1 billion in 2023.
In volume terms, South Korea imported 194,809 tons of coffee beans in 2024, a 5.7% increase from the previous year. Brazil remained the largest supplier, accounting for 21% of import value and 30% of the total volume. Colombia and Vietnam followed, shipping 29,835 tons and 29,781 tons respectively.
Coffee imports in the first eight months of 2025 reached $1.17 billion, up 31% from the same period last year. In volume, 136,318 tons were imported, a 1% increase. Officials say if the trend continues, this year’s total could surpass 2024’s figures.
The region’s decaffeinated coffee market is also expected to grow. An IndexBox report projects Asia’s decaf coffee volume to reach 850,000 tons and $4.7 billion in value by 2035. India leads the market as the top consumer and producer, holding a 38% share, with most of the decaf coffee remaining unroasted.
