The growth in coffee exports from the Chinese province of Yunnan has culminated in it leading the nation in shipments this year to date, customs data shows.

The province exported coffee and related products worth 840 million yuan ($120 million) in the first 11 months of 2025, according to Kunming Customs, making it the country's largest coffee-exporting region during the period surveyed.

The growth has been driven by Yunnan's natural advantages as one of the world's prime coffee-growing regions, alongside efforts to upgrade the entire industry chain and increase product value.

According to local officials, small-grain coffee beans from Baoshan, a key producing area in western Yunnan, have gained international recognition for their distinctive flavor, often described as strong but not bitter, aromatic yet smooth, with a mild fruity acidity.

Earlier this month, a shipment of 19.2 tons of Baoshan-grown coffee beans was exported to Malaysia. Gao Jie, general manager of Baoshan Gaolaozhuang Agricultural and Sideline Products Development Co, the provider, said the company has exported 124 tons of coffee beans this year to markets including Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia and Singapore.

Other producers are also expanding overseas. Fan Ben, director of Yunnan Jinglan Tropical Crops Technology Co, said the firm exported coffee products for the first time this year, with shipments reaching Russia, Jordan and Malaysia. The company has developed 17 coffee products, including cold-brew varieties.

"The prospects for Yunnan small grain coffee beans are becoming more promising," Gao added.

"We should take advantage of this opportunity to improve the quality of the coffee and broaden the market reach."