A 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck near Colombia’s coffee heartland, damaging the highway that carries 60 per cent of the country’s coffee exports and forcing a temporary shutdown of the Pacific port of Buenaventura. The National Federation of Coffee Growers said terminals paused operations for inspections while landslides blocked access roads, though shipments continue via the Caribbean coast.

Arabica futures, already up about 30 % since early June on El Niño fears, spiked to $3.26 a pound before retreating as traders weighed the quake’s supply impact. With global Arabica inventories perilously low, analysts such as Kona Haque warn markets will remain highly sensitive to any disruption from Colombia, the top producer of high‑quality mild‑washed Arabica used by Starbucks and other major roasters.

Producers are also bracing for a strengthening El Niño, which could further cut yields. The federation forecasts this year’s harvest at 12.8 mn 60kg bags, down from 14.8 mn last year, and expects to assess the 2027 crop from August. Colombia’s focus on quality over volume means any supply shock reverberates widely through specialty coffee markets.