Uganda’s Coffee Sector Earns $1.8 Billion in 12 Months, Sets New Monthly Export Record
Kampala, May 2, 2025 — Uganda’s coffee industry has posted a historic performance, with annual exports reaching $1.84 billion, according to new data from the Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA). This milestone is driven by record-breaking shipments in March 2025, which saw the country export 642,981 60-kg bags worth $198.62 million—the highest monthly coffee export value ever recorded.
This marks a 92.19% increase in volume and a 202.52% rise in value compared to March 2024, largely due to favorable harvests and global price surges triggered by droughts in Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s leading coffee producers.
“The average global price per kilogram rose to $5.15 in March, up from $5.03 in February and $3.27 a year earlier,” UCDA’s monthly report noted.
Robusta Leads the Surge
Uganda’s flagship Robusta coffee made up the majority of exports with 525,220 bags valued at $155.53 million, while Arabica exports totaled 117,761 bags worth $43.09 million.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, Uganda exported a total of 6.87 million bags, up from 5.99 million bags the previous year. In value terms, this represents an 84.12% increase year-over-year.
Top Exporters and Global Markets
Ugacof (U) Ltd led all exporters with a 12.35% market share, followed by Olam Uganda Ltd (7.67%), Ideal Quality Commodities (7.43%), and Export Trading Company (6.86%). Of the 80 companies that exported coffee in March, the top 10 accounted for 68% of the volume, down slightly from February’s 71%.
Italy remained Uganda’s biggest buyer, importing 38.43% of all coffee shipments, followed by India (8.92%), Germany (6.89%), Spain (6.06%), and Sudan (5.72%). Europe as a whole absorbed 63% of Uganda’s coffee exports, down from 74% in February.
Premium Grades Command Higher Prices
Top-quality Arabica varieties fetched $6.10 per kilo on average, with Mt. Elgon A+ reaching $7.55/kg. Robusta averaged $4.94/kg, with Washed Robusta selling at $5.65/kg. Notably, Drugar, a prized Arabica grade, rose to $6.67/kg.
At the farm level, Robusta Kiboko traded at an average of UGX 7,600 per kilo, slightly lower than February. Meanwhile, Robusta FAQ, Arabica parchment, and Drugar sold at UGX 15,250, UGX 15,000, and UGX 14,500 respectively.
Global Coffee Outlook
Worldwide production is expected to hit 174.9 million bags for the 2024/25 season—up by 6.9 million—thanks to recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia. Consumption is forecast at 168.1 million bags, led by growth in the EU, U.S., and China.
Despite rising supply, UCDA projects Uganda will export 600,000 bags in April 2025 as the southern harvest progresses. Strong demand and resilient production keep coffee as Uganda’s top agricultural export and a key driver of foreign exchange.
