Coffee bean traders are ramping up their exports to the European Union ahead of new legislation targeting deforestation.
The exporters predict logistical issues when the law takes effect by year-end.
The legislation will require strict vigilance by businesses introducing coffee beans and other products, such as palm oil, soya beans, cocoa, and rubber, into the EU market.
Traders will need to provide proof that the products cause “zero deforestation” and comply with the legislation.
However, businesses are uncertain about what constitutes adequate preparations, due to the law's perceived ambiguity.
Compared to last year, Brazil, one of the main coffee-producing countries, has seen a 65% surge in exports to the EU in the first seven months of this year.
Uganda’s coffee exports hit a new high last month, with most of the beans destined for Europe. The East African country is becoming an increasingly significant player on the robusta coffee market.
On the other hand, the supply from Vietnam, the world’s largest producer of robusta, is declining due to a heatwave.
