Vietnam poised to lead robusta coffee production

04 September 1997

Vietnam poised to lead robusta coffee production

VIETNAM could become the worlds leading producer of robusta coffee in the
1997-98 season because of the serious drought threatening this years Indonesian
coffee harvest.

Production in Indonesias “coffee triangle” might be reduced by as much as
50% if there is insufficient rainfall by the end of this month. It is the
southern hemisphere country worst hit by the developing El Niño weather
system.

The shortfall may be offset by better than average harvests in Vietnam,
Brazil and parts of Africa, meaning global consumer prices might not be affected.

Fears about the Indonesian crop provoked continued strong interest in coffee
futures on the London International Financial Futures Exchange.