The Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) has revealed that Uganda earned Shs140bn from coffee exports in April 2020.
“Coffee exports in April 2020 amounted to 359,973 60-kilo bags worth US$36.93million (Shs139.86bn). This comprised 262,676 bags of Robusta and 97,297 bags of Arabica. This was an increase of 17.78% and 22.90% in quantity and value respectively from the same month last year,” UCDA said in its monthly report for the month of April 2020.
This was however lower than 477,561 60-kilo bags worth $45.87M exported in March 2020.
The Authority revealed that exports to Italy maintained the highest market share with 25.51%, followed by Germany 17.55%, Sudan 15.31% and India 10.44%.
Coffee exports to Africa amounted to 77,747 bags, a market share of 16.28%.
“Europe remains the main destination for Uganda’s coffees with a 66.8% imports share. The increase in exports has been attributed to the increased production on account of fruition of the newly planted coffee, the season notwithstanding,” reads in part the report.
UCDA revealed that although public and private transport were banned during lockdown, leaving only cargo movement to continue, exporters also drew down on their stocks in the midst of the lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Exports were to some extent affected by logistical issues due to the country’s lockdown,” said UCDA in its April report.
However, Coffee exports are projected to be 400,000 bags in May 2020, with UCDA admitting that the effect of COVID-19 on coffee production is yet to be quantified as lockdown is relaxed and trucks are able to travel to the rural areas to procure coffee.
“Harvesting of the main crop south of the Equator has started and is projected to be good due to favourable rains,” UCDA said.
