SAO PAULO, Brazil – The monthly average price for arabica coffee increased in Brazil in February, returning to the nominal level from October/22, says CEPEA in its latest report. Last month, the average of the CEPEA/ESALQ Index for arabica coffee type 6, delivered to São Paulo city, closed at BRL 1,129.53/60-kilo bag, 11.9% above that in January.
In general, the volume to be produced in the Brazilian 2023/24 crop is still uncertain because of the weather issues in recent years, such as droughts, frosts and high rainfall.
In January and in February, the volume of rains was high, hampering phytosanitary and nutrition control in many crops, concerning the agents in the sector. As for supply, it has been controlled, which, added to tight international stocks, favor valuations in Brazil and abroad.
Wide price fluctuations at ICE Futures and weather issues in Brazil have been warning agents. At this time of the year, rains were supposed to favor crops development. However, excessive precipitations are raising the incidence of diseases and hampering crop activities.
In Brazil, despite the increase in the monthly average price, quotations fluctuated widely in late February, due to international oscillations and the disinterest of agents in closing deals. Rains decreased in some regions, such as São Paulo and EspÃrito Santo, allowing crop activities to continue. Still, farmers are concerned about the spread of diseases.
Robusta
On Feb. 28th, the CEPEA/ESALQ Index (EspÃrito Santo) for the robusta coffee type 6, screen 13, closed at BRL 694.21 (USD 132.96)/60-kilo bag, 1.3% lower than that on Jan. 31st.
Exports
Brazilian coffee exports decreased in January, according to Cecafé, totaling 2.84 million bags, 16.8% lower than that shipped in the same period of 2022. According to Cecafé, this decrease is linked to the weather issues observed in recent years, which reduced supply, majorly of arabica coffee.
