More Rain Needed in Vietnam Coffee Belt to Sate Dry Plantations

Much more rain is needed in top robusta coffee producer Vietnam even after improved weather spurred a slump in global prices. Futures in London have tumbled more than 20% in less than two weeks as rains brought some relief to hot, dry growing areas. That was after prices of robusta used in espresso blends and instant drinks climbed to the highest level in 45 years in April on a supply crunch caused by drought in Vietnam.

“Rains have started across the Central Highlands, but they are uneven,” said Trinh Duc Minh, head of the Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Association in Dak Lak province, a key producer.

“It’s still far away from what the plants need during this critical fruit-forming period.”

About 40% of the coffee plants in Dak Lak, which represent about one third of the country’s harvest, haven’t received enough water, according to Minh, who said total rainfall in the province this month was likely to be 50% lower than the same period last year. Rainfall in Dak Lak in May usually averages 200 millimeters, Minh said, and the amount so far was 20-30mm. The national weather agency said drought in the coffee belt may recede in the last 10 days of May, with monthly rainfall asmuch as 40% lower than the historical average.

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