SOFTS-Arabica coffee prices rise on increased US roaster demand

NEW YORK, 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 settled up 8.05 cents, or 2.2%, at $3.805 per lb.

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-kg bags, the third largest annual output on record despite it being an "off-year" in the arabica biennial production cycle.

Robusta coffee LRCc1 fell 0.3% to $4,302 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.

SUGAR

Raw sugar SBc1 ​settled down 0.05 cent, or 0.3%, at 14.88 cents 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.

Brazil exported 3.3 million tons of sugar in November, the government said, 2.6% less than a year ago, but still a large monthly amount.

White sugar LSUc1 fell 0.2% to $425.20 a ton, having fallen 0.7% on Wednesday.

COCOA

London cocoa LCCc2 settled down 49 pounds, or 1.2%, to 3,959 pounds per ton, having closed down 0.7% on Wednesday, with the strength of sterling weighing on prices.

New York cocoa CCc2 fell 0.3% to $5,486 a ton.

Dealers said the market continues to be pressured by the prospect of better global production, while demand has not picked up.