SOFTS-Arabica coffee prices rise on increased US roaster demand

LONDON, Dec 4 (Reuters) - Arabica coffee futures on ICE rose on Thursday after a pick-up in buying interest from U.S. roasters helped to support prices, while the strength of sterling against the dollar weighed on London cocoa prices.

COFFEE

Arabica coffee KCc2 gained 1.3% to $3.7740 per lb by 1448 GMT.

Although arabica prices initially fell sharply after the Trump administration removed tariffs on coffee imports from the world's biggest grower Brazil, prices have since been edging higher.

Dealers said roasters in the U.S., the world's biggest coffee consumer, have been especially keen to stock up following the news.

Brazil's national crop agency Conab on Thursday increased its estimate for the country's 2025 coffee crop to 56.5 million 60-kilogram bags, the third largest annual output on record despite it being an "off-year" in the arabica biennial production cycle.

Robusta coffee LRCc1 rose 0.7% to $4,343 a metric ton.

Traders in Vietnam cited lower spot prices in the physical market as beans have started to flow again, though they said persistent rains were preventing farmers from drying the coffee, and there were also quality concerns.

COCOA

London cocoa LCCc2 lost 0.9% to 3,973 pounds a ton, having closed down 0.7% on Wednesday with the strength of sterling weighing on prices.

New York cocoa CCc2 rose 0.3% to $5,522 a ton.

SUGAR

Raw sugar SBc1 ​fell 0.5% to 14.86 per lb, having settled 0.3% lower on Wednesday.

Dealers said the market had recovered to some extent after slumping to a five-year low last month but the prospect of a global surplus this season was limiting gains.

White sugar LSUc1 was down 0.3% at $425 a ton, having fallen 0.7% on Wednesday.