Ethiopia coffee export earnings reach record US$3B in 2025/26 fiscal year

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has achieved a record US$3 billion in coffee export earnings during the 2025/26 fiscal year, marking the highest annual revenue ever generated from the country’s coffee sector.  

The milestone was confirmed by Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority Director General Adugna Debela and announced by Minister of Agriculture Addisu Arega, who credited the achievement to coordinated efforts across the coffee value chain. 

In a statement shared on X, Arega congratulated all stakeholders involved in reaching the export target. 

“Ethiopia has successfully achieved its target of USD 3 billion in coffee export earnings this fiscal year. Congratulations to everyone who contributed to this historic achievement,” the minister said. 

He added: “It is accomplished! Ethiopia has successfully achieved its target of generating three billion USD from coffee exports this budget year. Congratulations to all!” 

According to the government, the record performance reflects the combined contributions of farmers, exporters, cooperatives, investors and public institutions working to strengthen the country’s coffee industry.  

The result also highlights the continued expansion of one of Ethiopia’s most important export sectors following several years of sustained growth. 

Coffee export earnings have steadily increased in recent years. Revenue rose from US$1.4 billion in 2023 to US$1.43 billion in 2024 before climbing significantly to US$2.65 billion last year. The latest figure of US$3 billion represents another milestone in the sector’s growth trajectory. 

The country has also expanded its international coffee trade. Earlier this year, coffee exports, together with textiles and flowers, accounted for a significant share of the US$435 million trade between Ethiopia and Russia in 2025.  

According to Russian Ambassador to Ethiopia Evgeny Terekhin, Ethiopian coffee exports to Russia increased from approximately US$46 million in 2024 to an inflation-adjusted US$123 million in 2025, while import volumes more than doubled from 8,300 tonnes to about 18,300 tonnes. 

Government initiatives promoting local coffee processing, improved quality control systems, product traceability and certification have also supported the industry’s development by strengthening Ethiopia’s position in premium international coffee markets. 

Looking ahead, Adugna Debela said the country aims to double annual coffee export earnings to US$6 billion within the next five years. 

According to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, annual coffee production has expanded from 500,000 tonnes five years ago to 1.5 million tonnes this year.  

Average coffee productivity has also increased from 600 kilograms per hectare to 1,000 kilograms per hectare during the same period, reflecting continued improvements in production capacity and farm performance. 

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