Colombia protests have halted coffee exports in May

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – Anti-government protests in Colombia have blocked the export of some 800,000 60-kilo bags of coffee in May, according to projections by the local federation of producers released Wednesday, June 2.

Colombia is the world’s second-largest producer of arabica coffee, its high-quality beans are sought after by companies such as Starbucks and Nespresso, as well as by small roasters in the United States, the world’s largest consumer.

The federation said Wednesday that only about one-third of the vehicles carrying coffee from producing regions to Atlantic ports have been able to complete their trips last month.

It added that the route to the Pacific port of Buenaventura was essentially closed.

Problems with the flow of Colombian coffee, along with drought in the number one arabica producer, Brazil, have helped push prices in New York to their highest in over four years.

Thousands of Colombians took to the streets again on Wednesday amid stalled talks between the government and leaders of the protests which are stretching into their second month.

U.S. coffee importers are expecting delays of up to five weeks for customers to receive their coffee orders from Colombia.