Ethiopia Sets New Record with $2.65 Billion in Coffee Export Revenue

Ethiopia has reported a record-breaking revenue of 2.65 billion U.S. dollars from coffee exports during the 2024/2025 fiscal year, marking the highest annual earnings in the country’s coffee trade history, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA).

The country exported 468,967 tonnes of coffee during the fiscal year that ended on July 7, surpassing the previous year’s volume by over 170,000 tonnes, the authority confirmed in a statement released on Tuesday.

“This is a remarkable achievement, but there remains significant untapped potential ahead,” said Dr. Adugna Debela, Director General of the ECTA. He emphasized that the newly formed National Coffee Platform Steering Committee is expected to play a key role in further strengthening the industry.

The export performance significantly exceeded initial targets, which were set at 326,000 tonnes and 2 billion U.S. dollars in revenue. The final figures not only highlight Ethiopia’s growing competitiveness in the global market but also reflect sweeping reforms and modernization efforts within the sector.

Growth Drivers Behind the Record

Several key initiatives contributed to the growth:

• Direct export rights were granted to coffee farmers and cooperatives, allowing them to sell more competitively on global markets.

• Nationwide training programs improved farming and processing techniques.

• Old coffee trees were replaced with high-yield, disease-resistant varieties.

• Quality control systems were upgraded to meet the standards of premium international buyers.

• The Green Legacy Initiative, which has planted over 8.5 billion seedlings, supported sustainable cultivation and environmental resilience.

Ethiopia is widely recognized as the birthplace of Arabica coffee and remains the top coffee exporter in Africa, while also ranking among the top three coffee exporters globally.

Ethiopian coffee is renowned for its unique and diverse flavor profiles, ranging from wine-like and fruity to chocolatey notes. Demand for these distinctive coffees continues to grow, particularly in specialty markets across Europe, North America, and Asia.

In comparison, Ethiopia earned 1.4 billion U.S. dollars from coffee exports during the 2023/2024 fiscal year, indicating a nearly 90% increase in export earnings year-on-year.

A Vision Beyond Exports

Officials stress that this achievement is not merely a financial milestone, but part of a larger national vision to elevate the role of coffee in Ethiopia’s economy, environment, and identity.

“The coffee sector is at the heart of our agriculture-led economy,” Dr. Debela added. “This is not just about revenue—it’s about sustainability, empowerment, and global leadership in quality.”

The ECTA has expressed its commitment to further improve traceability, transparency, and inclusion within the coffee value chain, ensuring that benefits reach producers across all regions.

As the global coffee landscape evolves amid shifting climate and trade dynamics, Ethiopia’s approach—rooted in heritage, reform, and innovation—continues to position the nation as a key player shaping the future of coffee.