DUBAI – QAHWA WORLD
Trade between Russia and Ethiopia climbed to more than $435 million in 2025, nearly tripling from the previous year, reflecting a rapidly strengthening economic relationship anchored by commodities, agriculture, and expanding technology ties.
The figures were disclosed by Russia’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, Evgeny Terekhin, in comments to Russian state media. He attributed the growth to rising Russian exports of fertilisers, agricultural machinery, and energy equipment, alongside increased Ethiopian exports of coffee, flowers, and textiles.
Coffee has emerged as the standout driver of the trade surge. Ethiopian beans—particularly the Sidamo and Harar varieties—have seen growing demand among Russian consumers.
According to the ambassador, Ethiopia’s coffee exports to Russia rose from about $46 million in 2024 to an inflation-adjusted $123 million in 2025. Import volumes more than doubled over the same period, increasing from 8,300 tonnes to approximately 18,300 tonnes.
“Traditional export items are acting as growth drivers,” Terekhin said, pointing to sustained demand on both sides.
Beyond agricultural trade, cooperation is expanding into digital commerce. Ethiopian authorities have granted Russian online marketplaces a regulatory “green corridor,” easing market entry requirements. Wildberries and Russ—now operating under the merged entity RWB—are preparing to begin operations in Ethiopia after adapting their platforms to local market conditions.
“The entry of Russian tech companies into the Ethiopian market is no longer theoretical,” Terekhin said, noting that technical integration and product localisation are already underway.
The strengthening trade relationship also includes industrial ambitions. At a bilateral intergovernmental commission meeting in November 2025, Russian aluminium producer Rusal signed agreements with Ethiopian Investment Holdings to explore the construction of an aluminium plant in Ethiopia.
If realised, the project could deepen industrial cooperation and expand Russia’s footprint in East Africa, further broadening a partnership that is increasingly being shaped by coffee-led trade growth.
