Ethiopia is intensifying its push to capture a larger share of the rapidly growing Chinese coffee market, which has emerged as one of the top 10 importers of Ethiopian coffee. Officials from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) highlighted this ambition during recent discussions with Chinese business representatives.
China’s rising demand for Ethiopian coffee
ECTA officials and Ethiopian exporters underscored the significance of China’s growing interest in Ethiopian coffee, driven by an expanding consumer base and a strong appreciation for the country’s high-quality beans. Over the past three years, coffee exports from Ethiopia to China have increased by an average of 27 percent annually, according to ECTA data.
This surge is attributed to a rising number of Chinese buyers directly sourcing coffee from Ethiopia, reflecting the nation’s appeal in a market where coffee culture is rapidly gaining popularity.
Ambitious revenue goals
Ethiopia, globally recognised as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, generated $1.43bn in coffee export revenue during the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The East African nation now aims to boost this figure to $2bn in 2024/2025, leveraging strong demand from key markets, including China.
‘China is becoming a crucial destination for Ethiopian coffee exports,’ said ECTA officials, emphasising the role of the country’s diverse and premium flavour profiles—from fruity to chocolatey—in captivating the Chinese market.
Coffee: a pillar of Ethiopia’s economy
As one of Africa’s largest coffee producers, Ethiopia’s coffee industry is the backbone of its agriculture-driven economy, supporting millions of livelihoods and securing the nation’s position as a global coffee leader.
With China’s coffee consumption steadily increasing, Ethiopia is doubling down on efforts to strengthen trade ties and expand its presence in this lucrative market. These efforts are set to drive the country closer to achieving its ambitious export targets and further solidify its reputation as a powerhouse in the coffee industry.
