Ethiopia’s coffee export earnings surge 47% in Q1 2025/2026 season 

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s coffee export earnings grew significantly in the first quarter of the 2025/26 fiscal year, reaching US$762.75 million, up 47% compared to the same period last year, according to data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA). 

The country had projected to export 151,969.41 tons of coffee valued at US$622.5 million during the quarter. However, it exported 113,542 tons, or 75% of its target volume, while surpassing its revenue goal by achieving 123% of the projected income. 

The higher export earnings despite reduced shipment volumes were attributed to firm global prices and rising value per ton, underscoring strong international demand for Ethiopian specialty coffee. 

Germany remained the leading destination for Ethiopian coffee during the quarter, importing 20,793.14 tons, representing 18% of total exports, and contributing US$138.18 million, or 18% of total earnings.  

Saudi Arabia followed with imports of 16,088.45 tons (14%) worth US$102.18 million (13%), while Belgium ranked third with 13,910.92 tons (12%) valued at US$93.45 million (12%). 

Other major importers included China, the United States, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Italy, and Russia. Collectively, these top ten markets accounted for 80% of Ethiopia’s total export volume and 79% of total revenue. 

As Africa’s largest coffee producer, Ethiopia continues to rely on coffee exports as a major source of foreign exchange. The latest results indicate a promising start to the 2025/26 export year. 

In the 2024/25 season, Ethiopia earned US$2.7 billion from coffee exports, supporting over 20 million smallholder farmers. Total production reached 1.2 million tons, with 467,000 tons shipped abroad. 

To enhance competitiveness and efficiency, ECTA recently inaugurated the Dilla Coffee Quality Inspection and Certification Center, aimed at cutting supply chain costs and improving quality control. 

Additionally, the authority introduced Directive 1106/2025, which raises capital requirements and enforces stricter standards for exporters. 

Under the new regulations, private exporters must hold a minimum capital of Birr 15 million (US$104,100), while joint stock firms and associations must maintain Birr 20 million (US$138,600). 

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