Ethiopia’s coffee export earnings rose sharply in the first three months of the 2025/26 fiscal year, generating USD 762.75 million, a 47% increase compared to the same period of the previous fiscal year.

According to data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the country had planned to export 151,969.41 tons of coffee and earn USD 622.5 million during the quarter. However, it achieved 113,542 tons, equivalent to 75% of the export volume target, while surpassing its revenue goal by earning 123% of the planned amount.

The higher earnings despite lower export volume were attributed to stronger global prices and a rise in value per ton, reflecting increased demand for Ethiopian specialty coffee.

In terms of destination markets, Germany remained the top buyer during the first quarter of 2025/26, importing 20,793.14 tons (18% of total exports) and contributing USD 138.18 million (18% of total revenue). It was followed by Saudi Arabia with 16,088.45 tons (14%) worth USD 102.18 million (13%), and Belgium with 13,910.92 tons (12%) valued at USD 93.45 million (12%).

Other leading destinations included China, the United States, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Italy, and the Russian Federation, completing the top ten markets. These countries collectively accounted for 80% of Ethiopia’s total coffee export volume and 79% of total revenue during the reporting period.

Ethiopia, Africa’s largest coffee producer, continues to rely heavily on the crop as a key source of foreign exchange, with the latest performance signaling a strong start to the 2025/26 export year.

Source: Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority