Minimum Order Quantity for Green Coffee Export from Vietnam: A Practical Guide for B2B Buyers
Minimum Order Quantity for Green Coffee Export from Vietnam: A Practical Guide for B2B Buyers
One of the first questions procurement managers ask when sourcing green coffee export from Vietnam is straightforward: what is the minimum order quantity (MOQ)? The answer depends on the supplier, the product specification, and the shipment method — but the industry standard for direct export is clear. This guide covers what buyers need to know about MOQ, container options, Tám Trình Coffee’s packaging formats, and logistics before placing first order.
1. What is the Standard MOQ for Vietnamese Green Coffee Export?
For direct export from Vietnam, the standard minimum order quantity is one Full Container Load (FCL) using a 20-foot dry container. A standard 20-foot container holds approximately 275 to 325 bags of green coffee — most commonly packed in 60 kg jute bags — totalling 16.5 to 19.5 metric tonnes of green bean equivalent (GBE) per container (Green Coffee Export Collective, 2026).
This threshold exists for a practical reason: exporters purchase raw material in bulk from farming households, process it to specification, and carry inventory costs until shipment. For many origin exporters, a full container load (FCL) represents the minimum economical shipment size at which operating costs can be recovered while maintaining competitive FOB pricing. Buyers ordering below this threshold typically work through importers or trading companies, not directly from origin processors.
Tám Trình Coffee, based in Lâm Hà, Lâm Đồng, operates on a standard MOQ of one 20-foot container per product specification — approximately 19.2 metric tonnes per lot (320 bags × 60 kg). Tám Trình works with more than 3,000 partner farming households across Lâm Đồng and the Central Highlands, processing more than 25,000 metric tonnes of green coffee export per season — giving it the supply depth to fulfil both spot orders and multi-shipment annual contracts. Sample lots of 200g to 500g are available for quality evaluation and cupping prior to full container commitment.
2. Container Specifications: 20ft vs 40ft FCL (Full Container Load)
Buyers scaling beyond an initial trial order typically choose between a 20-foot and 40-foot full container load. The choice depends on volume requirements, available storage at destination, and per-unit freight cost targets.
| Specification | 20ft FCL (Standard) | 40ft FCL (High Volume) |
| Internal length | 5.9 metres | 12.0 metres |
| Internal volume | ~33.2 m³ | ~67.7 m³ |
| Max payload (general cargo) | 28.2 MT | ~28.8 MT |
| Green coffee (60 kg bags) | 320 bags (19.2 MT) | Not optimized for 60kgs bag (achieved max payload before full container space) |
| Green coffee (1,000 kg jumbo bags) | 20 bags (20-21.6 MT) | 20 bags (20-21.6 MT)
Not optimized for 1000kgs bag (achieved max payload before full container space) |
| Recommended for | Trial order with 20mt or smaller quantity, 60 kgs jute bags | Not optimized for 1000kgs bag (achieved max payload before full container space) |
| Freight cost advantage | Optimize for freight cost (Low cost per tonne) | Not optimized for freight cost |
For buyers ordering multiple coffee specifications (e.g., Robusta Grade 1 Washed Process and Arabica Natural), each specification is normally shipped in a separate container. Mixed-load containers are available only upon prior written agreement with Tám Trình Coffee before contract confirmation. Please note that mixed-load shipments may require additional documentation and longer processing time.
3. Packaging Options: How Tám Trình Coffee Ships Your Order
Tám Trình Coffee ships all export lots directly from Ho Chi Minh City port, optimising container loads to 19.2 MT or 21.6 MT per FCL depending on the packaging format selected. The company currently offers three primary packaging options based on product grade and buyer application:
| Packaging | Weight per unit | Best for | Notes |
| Jute bags | 50–60 kg | Commercial coffee lots | Standard export format; breathable; industry default for commercial roasting applications |
| GrainPro vacuum bags | 60 kg | Specialty, Fine, Honey, Washed or High-value coffee lots | Hermetic liner protects coffee against moisture, helping preserve cup quality during long-distance shipments. Recommended for specialty and premium coffee exports. |
| Jumbo bags (big bags) | 1,000 kg | Large-scale roasters, soluble coffee manufacturers and industrial processors. | Reduces handling costs and loading time for large-volume shipments. Requires forklift equipment for loading and unloading.; available on request for high-volume buyers |
Ready to source products :
- Washed Arabica | Screen S18, S16 [Best Price]
- Clean Robusta | Screen S18, S16 | [Best Pricet]
- Wet Polished Robusta | Screen S18, S16 [Best Price]
- Honey Robusta | Screen S18, S16 [Best Price]
Buyers supplying specialty coffee markets are recommended to specify GrainPro® hermetic liners in the purchase contract. While standard jute bags are suitable for commercial-grade coffee, GrainPro liners provide superior protection against moisture and oxygen ingress, helping maintain cup quality during extended ocean transit. Tám Trình Coffee confirms the packaging format before lot preparation begins; therefore, packaging requirements should be specified at the purchase order stage.
All Tám Trình shipments include a complete export documentation package as standard: Certificate of Origin (C/O), Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, and any additional documentation required by the destination country’s import authority. For EU-bound shipments from December 30, 2026, EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) due diligence documentation is also provided.
4C Attestation for deforestation-free coffee
4. Export Ports, Lead Times, and Incoterms
At Tam Trinh Coffee, coffee containers are shipped from the processing factory in Lam Dong to Ho Chi Minh Port (Cat Lai Terminal) via road transportation taking approximately 6–8 hours. Quy Nhơn and Đà Nẵng ports are available upon request, subject to vessel schedules and operational requirements.
Order fulfilment from confirmed purchase order to container loading typically requires 7 to 10 working days for available stock — covering cargo preparation, container stuffing, and completion of all export documentation (export.tamtrinhcoffee.com, 2026). Buyers requiring specific certifications — Rainforest Alliance or 4C — or custom processing profiles should allow additional preparation time and confirm documentation availability before contract execution.
Tám Trình Coffee quotes on Free On Board (FOB), Ex Works (EXW), and Cost Insurance and Freight (CIF) terms depending on buyer preference and order size. Buyers new to direct origin sourcing are advised to work with a licensed freight forwarder at the destination port to manage import clearance, phytosanitary receipt, and local delivery.
5. Payment Terms
Tám Trình Coffee’s standard payment terms are a 30% deposit upon contract signing, with the 70% balance paid against scanned export shipping documents after cargo has been loaded (export.tamtrinhcoffee.com, 2026). This structure covers lot preparation and container stuffing costs at origin, while the balance is paid by verified shipment documentation.
For buyers with an established trading history, alternative payment arrangements may be discussed. All terms are confirmed in writing in the purchase contract before lot preparation commences.
Contact Tám Trình Coffee’s export team to request a quote
Specify target grade, processing profile, packaging format, and required volume.
WhatsApp/Hotline: 088 6677 238 | Email: admin@tamtrinhcoffee.com
Respond within 1 business day with a full product specification sheet and pricing based on your volume and specifications.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it possible to order less than one container of green coffee export from Vietnam?
Direct export from an origin processor is generally not available below one 20-foot Full Container Load (FCL). For smaller volumes, buyers may purchase through an importer or trading company that consolidates Less than Container Load (LCL) shipments. Tám Trình Coffee ships 200g to 500g sample lots worldwide for quality evaluation prior to full container orders — costs and lead times are higher per kilogram than FCL, but this is the standard path for new buyers evaluating the product before committing to a full shipment.
Q2: Can one container hold multiple green coffee export specifications or grades?
Mixed-grade or mixed-product containers are possible but require explicit written confirmation from Tám Trình Coffee before lot preparation. Each specification must be separately bagged, labelled, and documented to maintain traceability and meet phytosanitary requirements at the destination port. Procurement managers should confirm mixed-load capability and any additional documentation lead time before contracting.
Q3: What is the typical FOB price range for a container of Vietnamese Robusta in 2026?
As of mid-2026, Vietnamese green Robusta FOB prices have moderated from 2025 peaks. The average export price in Q1 2026 was approximately USD 4,696.8 per tonne, down 16.9% from the USD 5,821 per tonne peak recorded in February 2025 (Vietnam.vn / Ministry of Agriculture, 2026). For a standard 20-foot container of Grade 1 Washed Process Robusta at 18 to 19 metric tonnes, buyers should budget approximately USD 8,400 to 9,500 per tonne at current FOB levels, excluding freight, insurance, and destination charges. Tám Trình Coffee provides current pricing within 1 business day of receiving a specification request.
Q4: What documents are required for green coffee import from Vietnam?
Standard documentation from Tám Trình Coffee for a green coffee import shipment includes: Phytosanitary Certificate (issued by Vietnam’s Plant Protection Department), Certificate of Origin (FORM D for ASEAN markets, EUR.1 for EU preferential tariff), Fumigation Certificate, bill of lading, commercial invoice, packing list, and Certificate of Analysis (COA) confirming moisture, screen size, and defect count. From December 30, 2026, EU importers additionally require EUDR due diligence documentation under Article 4 of EU Regulation 2023/1115 — Tám Trình provides this as part of its standard export documentation package.
Q5: How far in advance should procurement teams place orders?
Procurement teams with fixed production schedules are encouraged to place orders well in advance. The recommended lead time depends on the destination market, shipping schedule, and any certification or product-specific requirements. This allows 7 to 10 working days for origin preparation and loading at Tám Trình, plus approximately 25 to 30 days for sea transit to Europe (or 7 to 14 days to East Asia), plus buffer for customs clearance at destination. Buyers requiring specific certified lots should confirm stock and documentation availability before issuing a purchase order.
Conclusion
For B2B buyers sourcing green coffee export directly from Vietnam, the standard Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) is one 20-foot Full Container Load — approximately 19.2 metric tonnes. Tám Trình Coffee, based in Lâm Hà, Lâm Đồng, supplies export-grade green Robusta and Arabica with three packaging options (jute bags, GrainPro vacuum bags, or jumbo bags), complete export documentation including EUDR compliance paperwork, 4C and Rainforest Alliance certifications, and FOB or CIF pricing available within 1 business day of enquiry.
