Central American Coffee rust losses balanced by Brazil

Coffee output in Brazil and Colombia, the largest arabica producers, will probably make up for leaf rust losses in Central America and Mexico for now, according to the International Coffee Organization.

Brazil, the largest producer, will help make up for losses due to large crops and bigger stockpiles, Mauricio Galindo, head of operations at the ICO, said in an interview in London yesterday. Colombia will have a bigger crop, he said.

Leaf rust losses in Central America and Mexico are estimated at 4 million to 5 million bags in 2012-13. It may take up to 10 years for Central America production to make up the damage.

Source: Bloomberg