Ethiopia’s coffee exports surpass US$1B in record-breaking performance 

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has generated over US$1.016 billion from coffee, tea, and spice exports in the first seven months of the 2024/25 fiscal year, with coffee alone contributing US$1.011 billion.  

This marks a historic milestone, as the country surpassed US$1 billion in coffee exports within less than half the fiscal year. 

The initial export target was set at 156,190.21 tons, with an estimated revenue of US$805.56 million.  

However, Ethiopia significantly exceeded expectations, exporting 223,046.04 tons—151 percent of the planned volume—resulting in US$1.011 billion in revenue, achieving 127 percent of the financial target. 

Compared to the same period in the previous fiscal year, Ethiopia recorded a 70 percent increase in volume, amounting to an additional 91,861.39 tons, and a 61 percent rise in revenue, generating US$383.42 million more than the previous year. 

Saudi Arabia emerged as the top importer of Ethiopian coffee, purchasing 41,807.94 tons (19% of total exports) and contributing US$180.82 million (18%) in revenue. 

Germany closely followed, importing 41,711.94 tons (19%) and generating US$176.58 million (17%), while Belgium ranked third with 20,002.19 tons (9%) and US$95.67 million (9%). 

The top 10 destinations, including the USA, South Korea, UAE, Japan, China, Jordan, and Italy, collectively accounted for 76% of total export volume and 77% of total revenue.  

These markets experienced a 70% increase in volume and a 60% rise in revenue compared to the previous fiscal year. 

By coffee type, Nekemte led exports with 80,248.45 tons (36%) and US$300.62 million (30%) in revenue. Sidama followed with 36,872.20 tons (17%) and US$197.79 million (20%), while Jimma contributed 46,569.72 tons (21%) and US$175.08 million (17%). 

Ethiopia aims to generate US$2 billion in coffee export revenue for the full fiscal year by exporting over 400,000 tons.  

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) is actively promoting specialty coffee, which commands premium prices of up to US$5,500 per ton, compared to US$2,800 for commercial coffee. 

To achieve its export target, Ethiopia is expanding its market presence in new regions while strengthening trade relationships with key partners such as the U.S., Germany, Japan, Belgium, and Saudi Arabia. 

In January, Starbucks introduced its newest single-origin coffee, sourced from Ethiopia’s Sidama region.  

The Starbucks Single-Origin Ethiopia whole bean coffee, now available across North America, highlights Ethiopia’s unique coffee profile with floral aromas and vibrant citrus notes. 

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