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Market Diversification and International Competitiveness of South American Coffee: A Comparative Analysis for Export Sustainability

Author

Listed:
  • Hugo Daniel García Juárez

    (Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad César Vallejo, Campus Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Jose Carlos Montes Ninaquispe

    (Programa de Administración y Administración de Negocios Internacionales Filial Norte, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo 14001, Peru)

  • Heyner Yuliano Marquez Yauri

    (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Antonio Rafael Rodríguez Abraham

    (Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales, Universidad César Vallejo, Campus Trujillo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Christian David Corrales Otazú

    (Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa, Universidad Continental, Arequipa 04002, Peru)

  • Sarita Jessica Apaza Miranda

    (Facultad de Ciencias de la Empresa, Universidad Continental, Arequipa 04002, Peru)

  • Ericka Julissa Suysuy Chambergo

    (Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias y Tecnología, Universidad César Vallejo, Campus Piura, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Sandra Lizzette León Luyo

    (Facultad de Ciencias Económicas, Universidad Nacional de Trujillo, Trujillo 13001, Peru)

  • Marcos Marcelo Flores Castillo

    (Facultad de Ciencias Empresariales y Turismo, Universidad Nacional de Frontera, Sullana 20103, Peru)

Abstract

South American coffee producers face growing challenges due to external trade dependencies and climate-induced disruptions. This study investigates the role of export market diversification as a sustainability strategy for four major regional exporters of roasted non-decaffeinated coffee: Brazil, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. A quantitative and comparative methodology was applied over a ten-year period using the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI) to evaluate export market concentration and the Revealed Comparative Advantage (RCA) Index—including its normalized variant—to assess international competitiveness by destination. The results reveal substantial disparities: Brazil and Colombia exhibit moderate to high diversification and relative competitiveness in select markets, while Peru and Ecuador remain dependent on a few strategic buyers, with limited or declining comparative advantages. The findings emphasize that sustained export performance in the coffee sector requires not only a broader destination portfolio but also improved positioning through trade agreements, infrastructure development, and climate-resilient innovation. This study concludes with a strategic proposal based on three pillars—commercial, logistical, and technological—to support structural transformation and enhance the long-term sustainability of the coffee trade in South America.

Suggested Citation

  • Hugo Daniel García Juárez & Jose Carlos Montes Ninaquispe & Heyner Yuliano Marquez Yauri & Antonio Rafael Rodríguez Abraham & Christian David Corrales Otazú & Sarita Jessica Apaza Miranda & Ericka Jul, 2025. "Market Diversification and International Competitiveness of South American Coffee: A Comparative Analysis for Export Sustainability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(11), pages 1-16, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:11:p:5091-:d:1670077
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    References listed on IDEAS

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