East Africa’s coffee industry is experiencing a moment of historic transformation, led by Uganda’s rise as the continent’s top coffee exporter. In May 2025, Uganda overtook Ethiopia by exporting a record 47,606.7 tonnes of coffee.
Uganda has officially become Africa’s top coffee exporter, surpassing Ethiopia with a record 47,606.7 tonnes exported in May 2025, according to the latest industry data shared at the World of Coffee Geneva 2025 event.
The country exported 793,445 60kg bags in May alone, up from 552,569 bags in May 2024 marking a 43.59% year-on-year increase. The monthly exports earned USD 243.9 million, contributing to a cumulative annual total of over USD 2 billion.
Between June 2024 and May 2025, Uganda exported 7.43 million bags, up from 6.08 million the previous year, generating USD 2.09 billion in revenue.Italy led the list of buyers, accounting for 39% of Uganda’s coffee exports, with Europe overall taking 67%, followed by Africa (18%) and Asia (13%).
Uganda’s performance edged out Ethiopia’s 43,481.02 tonnes for the same month, marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s coffee trade.
Italy led the list of buyers, accounting for 39% of Uganda’s coffee exports, with Europe overall taking 67%, followed by Africa (18%) and Asia (13%).
Uganda’s performance edged out Ethiopia’s 43,481.02 tonnes for the same month, marking a pivotal moment in the continent’s coffee trade.
Officials attribute the growth to improved quality standards and strong backing from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Ministry explains drop in global coffee prices
According to the market analysis report from my Ministry (27th June 2025), at farm gate level, Robusta (FAQ) is selling between UGX 10,000–11,000 while Robusta (Kiboko) ranges between UGX 5,000–5,500. Arabica (parchment) is trading between UGX 14,000–15,000 while Drugar coffee (clean) being sold at UGX 14,000–14,000.
It is important to note that the high prices observed over the past two years were due to a combination of factors including increased global demand, adverse weather conditions affecting production, and rising costs throughout the supply chain. Droughts, floods, and extreme temperatures in key coffee-growing regions like Brazil and Vietnam had negatively impacted coffee yields, reducing the amount of coffee available for export. This situation affected mostly Robusta coffee hence making our Robusta highly demanded globally, thus the high prices farmers and other value chain actors have enjoyed until recently.
The weather conditions in Brazil have recently improved leading to increased harvest expectations and are greatly contributing to the decline of coffee prices. As a result, coffee harvests are expected to be of good quality and plenty, which has offered a relief to the industry that had feared supply shortage due to drought.
It is forecasted that Brazil’s Coffee Production will increase by 0.5% to 65M bags in 2025/26 while Vietnam’s will increase from 29M bags to 31M bags.
Increase in the supply of coffee: There is currently a rise in global coffee production, particularly Robusta, which has led to an oversupply in the market, driving down the prices. Vietnam has recently seen a significant increase in exports, further contributing to the downward pressure on prices.
According to United States Department of Agriculture, World Markets and Trade Report-June 2025, the world coffee production for 2025/26 is forecasted to be 4.3 million bags higher than the previous year reaching a record 178.7 million due to continued recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia as well as record output in Ethiopia. World coffee bean exports are forecasted to be 700,000 bags higher reaching 122.3 million as gains from Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Indonesia more than offset losses from Brazil and Colombia. With global consumption forecast at a record 169.4 million bags.
