Uganda’s coffee export earnings surge 92% in May on strong harvest, global demand 

UGANDA – Uganda’s coffee exports soared in May 2025, with volumes increasing by 44% year-on-year to 793,445 bags of 60 kg each.  

Export earnings rose sharply by 92% to US$243.95 million, compared to the same period in 2024, according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. 

The surge was attributed to a bumper main harvest in Masaka and the southwestern districts, alongside favourable conditions in international markets.  

The ministry also noted that strategic interventions, such as improved crop management and post-harvest handling, contributed to the sector’s robust performance. 

Robusta coffee, which accounted for 87% of the total export volume, recorded 691,176 bags valued at US$203.5 million. Arabica exports reached 102,269 bags, generating US$40.45 million—reflecting a 110% rise in value compared to May 2024. 

Despite a marginal dip in global coffee prices due to higher Brazilian output, Uganda’s export performance remained strong. The average export price in May was US$5.12 per kilogram, slightly lower than April’s US$5.15 but significantly higher than the US$3.83 recorded in May 2024. 

From June 2024 to May 2025, Uganda exported 7.43 million bags of coffee, earning US$2.09 billion—an increase of 22% in volume and 94% in value from the previous year. These figures underscore the commodity’s critical role in the national economy. 

Coffee remains Uganda’s top export, accounting for nearly 20% of total export revenue. European countries continued to be the main markets in May, with Italy, Germany, and Spain leading the demand.  

However, exports to Sudan, Algeria, and other African markets also recorded notable growth. 

The government’s 15-year agroindustrialisation plan, highlighted during the recent State-of-the-Nation address, supports continued sector expansion.  

Key focus areas include the distribution of high-yield seedlings, investment in irrigation, enhanced post-harvest systems, and improved credit access for commercial farmers.  

The ongoing integration of the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) into the Ministry of Agriculture aims to streamline oversight and resource allocation. 

The USDA’s FAS Nairobi report projects that Uganda’s coffee production will grow modestly in the 2025/26 marketing year, from 6.7 million bags in 2024/25 to 6.88 million bags, aided by favourable weather and better farming practices. 

Global coffee production for 2024/25 is forecast at 174.9 million bags, up 6.9 million from the previous year, primarily due to increased output from Vietnam and Indonesia. 

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