Causes of the Price Increase
- Harvest Failures Due to Extreme Weather: In Brazil and other growing regions, droughts and wildfires have caused significant harvest losses.
- Rising Import Prices: Import prices for unroasted coffee beans rose by 53.1 percent in April 2025 compared to the same month last year. Compared to April 2021, the increase was even 147.4 percent.
- Regional Differences: Imports from America became 61.8 percent more expensive, from Asia and other areas by 43.8 percent, and from Africa by 23.2 percent (each compared year-on-year).
Impact on Consumers
- Consumer Prices Rise Above Average: In Germany, coffee bean prices in April 2025 were 12.2 percent higher than in the same month last year – significantly more than the general inflation (2.1 percent) or the price increase for food overall (2.8 percent).
- Noticeable Additional Costs: The price increases are also noticeable in Austria and Switzerland. Consumers have to reach deeper into their pockets.
- Inflation Effects: The sharp rise in coffee prices contributes to the overall increase in food prices and can thus further raise the cost of living.
Background: Trade Partners & Market Shares
Brazil provides by far the largest share of imported coffee to Germany (41.1%), followed by Vietnam (16.2%), Honduras (5.5%), and Colombia (4.3%). Other important trading partners include Uganda and Italy – the latter primarily for already processed goods.
Summary
The current price surge in coffee beans is primarily due to climate-related harvest failures. The resulting higher import prices directly affect the end consumer. Since coffee is an everyday consumer good – especially in Germany and its neighboring countries Austria and Switzerland – this effect significantly impacts the household budgets of many people. At the same time, it increases the pressure on general inflation or living costs.