Kenya coffee exports to US double in Q1 as AGOA renewal boosts specialty coffee demand
The United States strengthened its position as Kenya’s largest coffee market after import volumes and export earnings surged during the first quarter of the year.
KENYA – Kenya’s coffee export earnings from the United States more than doubled during the first quarter of the year, reflecting stronger demand for Kenyan specialty coffee following the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and reinforcing the US as the country’s largest export destination for the commodity.
According to new data from the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), coffee export earnings from the US rose by 101.2 percent to Kes 5.27 billion (US$40.8 million) between January and March, compared with Kes2.46 billion (US$19.01 million) recorded during the corresponding period last year.
The increase was supported by higher shipment volumes and stronger penetration into the lucrative US specialty coffee market. Coffee exports to the United States reached 5,324.98 metric tonnes during the quarter, up from 2,645.98 tonnes a year earlier.
“The United States was Kenya’s leading coffee export destination by volume, accounting for 43.2 percent at 5,324.98 metric tonnes of the total exported. This reflects an increased penetration of the USA specialty coffee market,” AFA said.
The US accounted for 43.2 percent of Kenya’s total coffee export volume during the three-month period, widening its lead over other international markets.
Germany ranked second, accounting for 13.8 percent of export volumes, followed by Japan at 6.1 percent, the United Kingdom at 5.95 percent and China at 5.12 percent.
The strong performance coincided with the renewal of Kenya’s preferential market access to the United States under AGOA in February.
The extension preserved duty-free access for thousands of Kenyan products, removing uncertainty that had surrounded exporters amid concerns that the trade arrangement could lapse without a replacement framework.
Kenyan coffee has long benefited from favourable tariff treatment in the US market, and the renewed agreement has helped maintain buyer confidence and support long-term supply contracts.
Coffee overtook apparel as Kenya’s leading export to the United States last year, driven by growing demand for specialty coffee and elevated global coffee prices. Kenyan Arabica coffee continues to attract premium prices because of its bright acidity, distinctive flavour profile and consistent quality.
Most of Kenya’s coffee is traded through the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, where international buyers compete for premium grades supplied by cooperatives and estate farmers.
The industry continues to face competition from major coffee-producing countries, including Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia and Honduras. At the same time, global coffee markets remain volatile following weather-related supply disruptions in key producing regions.
Domestically, the Kenyan government has introduced reforms aimed at improving farmer payments, streamlining coffee marketing and strengthening cooperative governance.
Authorities are also promoting higher production through the distribution of improved coffee seedlings, rehabilitation of ageing plantations and expanded extension services, although erratic rainfall and rising temperatures continue to pose challenges to production across several coffee-growing regions.
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