Lao Coffee Markets & Exports

Map of Laos highlighting coffee export markets for 2023, showing export quantities to different regions: Europe, Asia, Oceania, and America with specific countries and tonnage listed, such as Denmark, Vietnam, and Australia.

25 of the 89 members of the Lao Coffee Association (LCA)’s exports in 2023.

Coffee is one of Laos’ most important agricultural exports and a key contributor to the economy.

Lao coffee is highly regarded in the region and is readily imported by its neighbours, particularly Vietnam. 

In 2023, Vietnam imported 12,190.5 tons of Lao coffee - making up 81.4% of Robusta exports and 50% of the country’s total coffee exports.

Thailand followed with 23% of total exports and mostly buying Arabica.

Other key markets include Germany and China. Overall, Europe imported 1.5% and America 0.02% of the exports, highlighting the rising global demand for Lao coffee.

Lao Coffee Exports

Lao coffee is exported to over 20 countries. It has a small but growing global presence.

Exports from the coffee sector have steadily increased, both in absolute terms and relative to other coffee-exporting nations.

The Lao Government’s 2021 Coffee Sector Export Roadmap shows that in 2019, green coffee made up 85.1% of exports. Roasted coffee, nearly 15%, was mostly sold to nearby countries.

Arabica and Robusta now each account for 50% of exports, with Arabica rapidly increasing in popularity.

Laos’ instant coffee is also growing. The market is set to generate $158.4 million by 2025.

At-home sales, from supermarkets and convenience stores, will contribute $71.2 million, while out-of-home sales, from restaurants and bars, will add $87.1 million. The at-home market is expected to grow annually by 4.5% from 2025 to 2029. 

Local firms like Miracle Lao Coffee are increasing production, and Dao Heuang Group remains the market leader.

Popular products, including three-in-one coffee mixes, are widely sold in major cities such as Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The total sales volume is expected to be 3.6 million kg by 2025, with 3.3 m kg from at-home sales and 309.1 kg from out-of-home sales.

Scenic view of misty green mountains with forested hills and patches of open land in the foreground.

Export
Growth

In 2023, LCA exported over 24,000 tons of coffee. Asia accounted for 98.5% of total exports, valued at an estimated $60 million. Key destinations include Vietnam, China, Thailand, and Japan, where demand for specialty and organic coffee is on the rise.

Shipping port with colorful cargo containers and cranes at sunset.

The Lao coffee sector benefits 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.