Coffee ready for export
Uganda is reaping big from coffee exports
Uganda’s coffee exports for twelve months (April 2024-March 2025) totaled 6.87 million bags worth US$ 1.84 billion (UShs6.7 trillion) compared to 5.99 million bags worth US$ 999.48 million in the previous year (April 2023-March 2024), the Ministry of Agriculture has revealed in its monthly coffee report for March 2025.
This represents an increase of 14.86% and 84.12% in quantity and value respectively. This is the highest earning ever the country has recorded in 12 months.
According to MAAIF’s report, Uganda’s Coffee exports in March 2025, amounted to 642,981 60-kilo bags, worth US$ 198.62 million (UShs727.86bn), which comprised of 525,220 bags of Robusta valued at US $ 155.53 million and 117,761 bags of Arabica valued at US$ 43.09 million.
This was an increase of 92.19% and 202.52% in quantity and value respectively compared to the same month last year.
By comparing quantity of coffee exported by type in the same month of last year (March 2024), Robusta increased by 111.39% and 233.40% in quantity and value respectively, while Arabica exports increased by 36.79% and 126.73% in quantity and value respectively.
“The monthly coffee exports volume was higher than the previous year on account of good crop from the previous harvest. The value of coffee exports was higher due to the high global coffee prices as dry conditions in Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s largest producers of Arabica and Robusta coffee respectively continue to fuel uncertainty of the global coffee supply,” MAAIF’s report reads in part.
Exports by Type and Grade
The report reveals that the average export price was US$ 5.15 per kilo, US cents 12 higher than in February 2025 (US$ 5.03).
It was US$ 1.88 higher than in March 2024 (US $ 3.27/kilo). Robusta exports accounted for 82% of total exports, lower than 84% in February 2025.
The average Robusta price was US$ 4.94 per kilo, 11 cents higher than US$ 4.83 per kilo the previous month.
The highest price was for Washed Robusta sold at US$ 5.65 per kilo, followed by Screen 14 Fair Trade Organic sold at US$ 5.63 per kilo.
The share of Sustainable/washed coffee to total Robusta exports was 0.38% lower than 0.44% in January 2025.
Arabica fetched an average price of US$ 6.10 per kilo US$ 1.04 higher than the previous month (US$ 5.06).
The highest price was for Mt. Elgon A+ sold at US$ 7.55 per kilo. It was followed by Rwenzori CPB sold at US$ 7.26 per kilo. Drugar was sold at US$ 6.67 per kilo, 47 cents higher than 6.20 per kilo the previous month.
Drugar exports were 39% of total Arabica exports higher than 21% the previous month. The share of sustainable Arabica exports to total Arabica exports was 10%, higher than 9% in February 2025
Individual Exporter Performance
According to MAAIF’s report, Ugacof (U) Ltd had the highest market share of 12.35% compared to 12.96% in February 2025.
It was followed by Olam Uganda Ltd 7.67% (11.34%); Ideal Quality Commodities Ltd 7.43% (6.32%), Export Trading Company (U) Ltd 6.86% (6.28%), JKCC 6.40% (3.12%) Louis Dreyfus (U) Ltd 6.15% (5.51%), Jber Coffee Ltd 6.08% (6.85%), Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd 5.90% (4.78%), Kawacom (U) Ltd 5.11% (5.47%), and Ibero (U) Ltd 4.33% (6.62%).
It’s important to note that the figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in February 2025.
The top 10 exporters held a market share of 68% slightly lower than 71% the previous month reflecting competition at exporter level. Out of the 80 exporters who performed, 37 exported Robusta Coffee only while 17 exported Arabica coffee only.
Coffee Exports By destination
Italy maintained the highest market share with 38.43% compared to 45.17% last month.
It was followed by India 8.92% (8.36%), Germany 6.89%% (8.71%), Spain 6.06% (11.90%) and Sudan 5.72% (6.17%).
Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in February 2025.
The first 10 major destinations of Uganda coffee took a market share of 85.06% compared to 89.32% the previous month.
Coffee exports to African countries totaled 69,052 bags, a market share of 11% compared to 53,720 bags (10%) the previous month. African countries that imported Uganda coffee included Sudan, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Tunisia, Kenya, Tanzania, and South Africa.
Europe remained the main destination for Uganda’s coffees with a 63% import share, lower than 74% in February 2025.
Foreign buyers of Uganda Coffee
The top 10 buyers held a market share of 52.64% lower than 59.88% the previous month.
Sucafina led with a market share of 12.40% compared to 13.48% in February 2025.
It was followed by Louis Dreyfus 8.98% (7.91%); Olam International 8.78% (12.36%); Ecom Agro Industrialist 5.25% (6.68%); Bernhard Rothfos 4.64% (3.87%); Volcafe 3.34% (1.97%); Touton SA 3.10% (6.62%); Pacorini Silocaf 3.36% (2.39%); Koninklijke Douwe 2.07% (2.33%) and Strauss 1.73%. (2.21%).
Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage performance in the previous month –February 2025.
Global Situation
World coffee production for 2024/25 is forecast to reach 6.9 million bags higher than the previous year to 174.9 million due primarily to rebounding output in Vietnam and Indonesia.
World exports are forecast to be slightly higher as gains in Vietnam and Indonesia more than offset reduced shipments from Brazil. Global consumption is expected to increase by 5.1 million bags to 168.1 million, with the largest gains in the European Union, the United States, and China. Ending stocks are expected to drop by 1.5 million bags to 20.9 million. (United States Department of Agriculture, Coffee: World Markets and Trade report-December 2024).
Local Situation
During the month of March 2025, MAAIF says, farm gate prices ranged from UGX 7,200/=-8,000/= per kilo of Kiboko (Robusta dry cherries); UGX.15,000/=-15,500/= for FAQ (Fair Average Quality); UGX. 14,500- 15,500/= for Arabica Parchment; and UGX 14,000/=- 15,000/= per kilo for Drugar.
Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 7,600/= lower than UGX 7,750/=, Robusta FAQ averaged UGX 15,250/= lower than UGX 15,500, Arabica parchment UGX 15,000 per kilo, higher than 14,500/= Drugar UGX 14,500/= per kilo higher than 13,250/= per kilo.
Outlook for April 2025
According to MAAIF, coffee exports are projected to be 600,000 60-kilobags. The main harvest season south of the equator and the fly crop north of equator has begun, MAAIF says.
About the Author
We seem to be on a fair trajectory as a country. Thanks to the stakeholders. This could be better if genuine inputs like pesticides and fertilizers are supplied on the market.
Secondly, good projects like micro irrigation scheme have not been effectively implemented in districts like Namutumba. The technical officers make one visit for coping and they are never seen again. A need for MAAIF to intervene. Thx
Coffee farmer
Namutumba District