One of the first questions international buyers ask when sourcing coffee from Vietnam is: should I buy FOB or CIF? The answer depends on your logistics capabilities and how much control you want over the supply chain.
FOB (Free On Board) means the supplier is responsible for the coffee until it is loaded onto the vessel at the port of origin — Ho Chi Minh City in most cases. From that point, you arrange and pay for shipping, insurance and delivery to your port. FOB pricing is lower on paper, but you take on more responsibility.
CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight) means the supplier covers the cost of getting the coffee to your port, including shipping and insurance. You receive one all-in price.
CIF is simpler for first-time importers and buyers in markets with less developed freight infrastructure.
Our recommendation: If you have a freight forwarder you already work with, choose FOB — you will usually get better total costs. If you are new to importing from Vietnam, start with CIF to reduce complexity on your first order.
Mekong Origin can arrange both. We work with established freight partners serving all major African, European and Middle Eastern ports.
