Coffee sales in Brazil moved more slowly last December, becoming even weaker at the beginning of 2023 due to the sharp decline in ICE prices. In the last month of the year, a slower flow of sales is characteristic due to the holiday period and the tax issue, with many growers not selling to avoid income tax. Usually, January starts with a little more interest, but the bearish turn in New York has again scared growers, curbing sales even more. The distance between bids and offers has increased considerably, and very firm FOB export differentials end up taking liquidity out of negotiations. The market accelerates the features of the off-season peak.
Thus, the SAFRAS survey indicates that sales of the 22/23 crop in Brazil reached 75% of production up to January 17, up 4% from the previous month. The flow of sales remains well below the same period last year, when it reached 82%, but is in line with the five-year average.
Arabica sales reach 72% of the total crop, with a slow flow in the face of great resistance from sellers. In the same period last year, growers had committed around 79%. The average sales for the last 5 years in the period is around 73%.
The sales of conillon reach 80% of the crop’s potential, with emphasis on the positions of the domestic roasted and ground industry. The sales flow remains below the same period last year, when it was at 87%, and slightly below the five-year average for the period (75%).