Ethiopia and Uganda Overtake Rivals in Global Coffee Exports

Africa is emerging as a powerhouse in the global coffee trade reaching to 33.3% in May, with Uganda and Ethiopia leading a remarkable surge in exports that is reshaping the continent’s role in the world market.

According to the latest International Coffee Organization (ICO) report, global coffee exports rose 4.9% from May 2024 to 12.65 million bags, boosted largely by African producers. Uganda’s exports jumped 43.3% to nearly 800,000 bags, while Ethiopia’s rose 42% to about 980,000 bags. Together, the two countries accounted for more than 75% of Africa’s coffee shipments last month. 

Uganda surpassed Ethiopia as Africa’s top coffee exporter in May, shipping 47,606 metric tons compared to Ethiopia’s 43,481 tons. The surge earned Uganda USD243.9 million for the month, contributing to an annual export revenue of USD2.09 billion. However, the report noted that Ethiopia’s coffee production is currently in an “on” year of its two-year cycle, leading to an estimated increase of 500,000 bags.

Global coffee exports for the year to date fell to 91.29 million bags, a decrease from 93.44 million.

Three of the four major coffee-exporting regions posted growth in May, with Asia and Oceania leading the surge. The region exported 4.11 million bags, up 48.9% from 2.76 million a year earlier.

The ICO report also noted a 46.8% increase in roasted coffee exports in May, highlighting growing value addition within the sector.