Lao Coffee
Markets
& Exports
Coffee is one of Laos’s most important agricultural exports and a key contributor to the economy.
The quality of Lao coffee is highly regarded in the region and is readily imported by its neighbors, particularly Vietnam.
Vietnam is Laos’ largest coffee market, importing 12,190.5 tons in 2023, or 81.4% of Robusta exports and 50% of total coffee exports.
Thailand follows with 23% of total exports and is the largest importer of Lao Arabica. Other key markets include Germany and China, with Europe accounting for 1.5% of exports and America just 0.02%. These figures show a rising demand for Lao coffee, particularly across Asia and Europe.
Lao Coffee Exports
Lao coffee is exported to over 20 countries, a small but growing global presence.
Exports from the sector have been steadily increasing, both in absolute terms and relative to other coffee-exporting nations.
Most of its coffee is exported as green bean, primarily high-altitude Robusta. Non-roasted and non-decaffeinated green bean made up 85% of exports (2019). Roasted coffee was almost 15% of exports, mainly sold to Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and China.
In contrast, roasted coffee is mainly sold domestically and in neighboring countries. Other coffee products, including instant coffee (1,666 tons exported in 2019, valued at USD 5.7 million), decaffeinated coffee, and coffee husks and skins, contribute only a small share of export value.
Laos exported 1,666 tons of instant coffee in 2023, valued at $5.7m. Instant coffee is growing in popularity with local company, Miraclelao Coffee, planning to open an instant coffee factory.
Domestic coffee revenue generated in supermarkets and convenience stores, amounts to $117 m in 2025. Out-of-home revenue, from restaurants and bars, was $145m, totaling $262m.
The Lao coffee industry is experiencing strong growth, with a projected market volume of $136.3 million by 2029.
This growth is driven by increasing global demand for high-quality, sustainably grown coffee, as well as efforts to enhance production, processing, and export capabilities.
In 2023, Laos exported over 24,000 tons of coffee, with Asia being the primary market, accounting for 98.5% of total exports. These exports were valued at an estimated $60 million, reflecting the region’s strong preference for Lao coffee. Key destinations include Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Japan, where demand for specialty and organic coffee is on the rise.
Lao Coffee Export Growth
The Lao coffee sector is benefiting from government initiatives, international investment, and sustainability programs aimed at improving yields, quality, and market access.
Farmers, particularly in the Bolaven Plateau, are adopting improved cultivation techniques and value-added processing methods to meet international standards and expand into new markets.
With ongoing investment in infrastructure, training, and certification programs, the Lao coffee industry is well-positioned for further expansion, particularly in premium and specialty coffee segments.