HCMC - Severe flooding in the Central Highlands has disrupted harvesting activities in key coffee-growing areas, raising fresh concerns over supply and pushing Robusta prices higher on global exchanges.

Historic floods have damaged coffee plantations at peak harvest time, with many trees uprooted and growers unable to collect ripe cherries. As of November 27, Chu Se Commune in Gia Lai Province had harvested only about 30% of its crop, while Ea H’leo Commune in Dak Lak Province reached roughly 25%, both significantly lower than the same period last year, according to market monitoring agencies.

Raw coffee prices in the Central Highlands fell by VND1,000 on November 27 to around VND111,000–112,000 per kilogram. However, actual trading remains sluggish as farmers and local dealers continue to hold back inventory in anticipation of a price rebound.

Prolonged heavy rains — particularly in area such as Chu Se, where harvest progress remains only 30–35% — have slowed deliveries to export warehouses. The temporary shortage has forced exporters to raise their actual purchasing prices to secure enough volume for existing contracts, with some paying above VND112,300 per kilogram despite the broader downward trend.