es.euronews.com
Global Coffee Prices Surge 75.8% Due to Brazil's Reduced Harvest
Brazil's reduced coffee harvest due to adverse weather, coupled with similar issues in Vietnam, has caused a 75.8% price increase since January 2024, reaching $375.34 per pound in early February 2025; Brazil anticipates a 4.4% decrease in its harvest, totaling 51.8 million sacks.
- How have adverse weather conditions and potential trade disputes contributed to the current high coffee prices?
- This price surge, the highest since the 1970s, is directly linked to reduced harvests caused by adverse weather conditions primarily impacting Brazil, the world's largest coffee producer and exporter. The ongoing impact of these weather events is further compounded by potential trade uncertainties due to threatened US tariffs on major coffee-producing nations.
- What are the immediate consequences of the reduced coffee harvests in Brazil and Vietnam on global coffee prices and the market?
- Adverse weather in Brazil and Vietnam has significantly reduced the coffee supply, leading to a 75.8% increase in coffee prices since January 2024, reaching $375.34 per pound in early February 2025. Brazil's expected harvest decrease of 600,000 sacks (-4.4%) to 51.8 million sacks will maintain these high prices.
- What long-term strategies can the global coffee industry implement to mitigate the impacts of future climate change and geopolitical risks on coffee production and pricing?
- While Brazilian officials predict a return to higher yields and lower prices by 2026, the current situation highlights the vulnerability of the global coffee market to climatic events and geopolitical instability. Future price volatility is likely, underscoring the need for climate-resilient agricultural practices and diversified trade relationships within the coffee industry.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative frames the situation primarily as a negative consequence of adverse weather conditions, emphasizing price increases and production shortfalls. While this is a valid aspect of the story, the framing could be improved by including more balanced perspectives or solutions. The headline (if one existed) might focus solely on price increases, ignoring other important aspects. The opening paragraph focuses on price increases, framing the story through this lens.
Language Bias
The language used in the article is largely neutral and factual. However, phrases like "important fall in coffee supply" and "high prices" could be considered slightly loaded, as they carry a negative connotation. More neutral alternatives could be "significant decrease in coffee supply" and "elevated prices". The characterization of the price increases as being at levels "not seen since the 1970s" is emotionally evocative, suggesting a significant and potentially alarming situation.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the impact of weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam on coffee production and prices, but omits discussion of potential impacts on coffee farmers and workers in those countries. It also doesn't explore alternative solutions or strategies being implemented to mitigate future climate-related disruptions to coffee production. The omission of the economic and social impacts on coffee-producing communities could be considered a significant oversight.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic view of the situation, focusing primarily on the supply-side impacts of adverse weather conditions. While acknowledging logistical challenges, it doesn't fully explore the demand-side dynamics, such as changes in consumer behavior or substitution effects that might influence coffee prices. The presentation of the situation as primarily a supply-driven issue is an oversimplification of a complex economic issue.
Sustainable Development Goals
The text describes a significant drop in coffee supply due to adverse weather conditions in Brazil and Vietnam. This impacts coffee prices globally, potentially affecting access to this staple food for vulnerable populations and increasing food insecurity, thus negatively impacting progress towards Zero Hunger.