Ethiopia earned a record $878.52 million from coffee exports during the first three months of its 2026/27 fiscal year, which began on July 8. The result represents a 15 percent increase compared with the same period a year earlier, according to figures released by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority.
The country exported 131,069.51 tonnes of coffee during the period, achieving 91 percent of its planned export volume of 144,433 tonnes. Export revenue reached 85 percent of the authority’s target of $1.033 billion, while earnings increased by $115.77 million year on year, the African Press Agency reported.
Saudi Arabia remained Ethiopia’s largest coffee buyer, importing 28,362.77 tonnes worth $196.85 million. Germany ranked second, purchasing 22,924.18 tonnes valued at $136.69 million.
China emerged as the third-largest destination, importing 15,125.54 tonnes of Ethiopian coffee worth approximately $103 million. The Chinese market accounted for around 12 percent of the country’s total export volume and revenue during the reporting period.
The top 10 destination markets together accounted for 82 percent of Ethiopia’s coffee export volume and earnings. Russia also entered the list of the country’s 10 largest buyers, reflecting the gradual diversification of export destinations.
The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority attributed the growth to improvements in coffee quality, greater use of technology in the trading system and stronger coordination among stakeholders.
Coffee remains one of Ethiopia’s most important export commodities and a major source of income for millions of smallholder farmers. The latest figures highlight the sector’s role in generating foreign currency and expanding the country’s presence in international markets.
