Ethiopia sees 46% surge in export $'s from COFFEE, tea, and spices

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia has reported a 46 percent increase in revenue from the export of coffee, tea, and spices during the first quarter of the current fiscal year.

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) announced that the country earned US$621.98 million from the export of 115,851.77 tons of these commodities, surpassing its initial target of US$427.10 million from 83,294.25 tons.

This represents a rise in export volume by 69 percent, exceeding the target by an additional 48,371.16 tons.

In September alone, Ethiopia exported 33,997.27 tons of coffee, tea, and spices, generating US$142.51 million in revenue, well above the target of US$122.94 million from 24,061.78 tons.

Focusing on coffee, Ethiopia recorded US$519.02 million in revenue from the export of 115,174.75 tons over the past three months.

This marks a 123 percent increase in revenue and a 146 percent rise in export volume compared to the initial target of US$422.99 million from 78,989.90 tons, leading to an additional 47,509.55 tons exported and an extra US$164.81 million in revenue.

Germany emerged as the largest buyer of Ethiopian coffee, importing 28,398.68 tons (25%) and generating US$113.58 million (22%) in revenue.

Saudi Arabia followed, importing 16,838.56 tons (15%) for US$72.16 million (14%), while Belgium ranked third with 12,503.69 tons (11%) generating US$58.82 million (11%).

Other significant markets included the U.S., South Korea, Japan, and the UAE.

Looking ahead, Ethiopia plans to further expand its coffee, tea, and spice production, focusing on improving quality and exploring new markets.

ECTA’s Director General, Dr. Adugna Debela, emphasized the untapped potential of Ethiopia’s tea and spice sectors, noting that only 4,000 hectares of land are currently dedicated to tea cultivation. Efforts are underway to increase tea plantations, particularly in Oromia State, with plans to add 30,000 hectares over the next three years.