Coffee Uganda
Coffee remains Uganda’s major reliable source of foreign exchange
Uganda’s coffee exports in April 2025, amounted to 694,318 valued at US$214.38 million (about UShs 780.1 billion, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has revealed in its Monthly Coffee Report for April 2025.
This comprised of 594,188 bags of Robusta valued at US$177.08 million and 100,130 bags of Arabica valued at US$ 37. 30 million.
According to the report, this was an increase of 77.44% and 152.56% 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 (April 2024), Robusta increased by 104.63% and 187.61% in quantity and value respectively, while Arabica exports decreased by 0.8% in quantity but increased by 60% in value,” the report obtained by Business Focus reads in part.
It adds that the monthly coffee exports volume was higher than the previous year on account of good crop from the main harvest in Masaka and south Western regions.
The report says 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.
Coffee exports for twelve months (May 2024-April 2025) totaled 7.17 million bags worth US$ 1.97 billion (UShs7.16 trillion) compared to 5.90 million bags worth US$ 1.01 billion in the previous year (May 2023-April 2024).
This represents an increase of 21.70% and 94.64% in quantity and value respectively.
Exports by Type and Grade
According to the report, the average export price was US$5.15 per kilogram, US cents 1 higher than in March 2025 (US$5.14). It was US$ 1.53 higher than in March 2024 (US $ 3.62/kilogram).
Robusta exports accounted for 86% of total exports, higher than 82% in March 2025. The average Robusta price was US$ 4.97 per kilogram, 5 cents higher than US$ 4.92 per kilo the previous month.
The highest price was for Screen 18 sold at US$ 5.33 per kilogram, followed by Washed Robusta sold at US$ 5.31 per kilogram.
The share of Sustainable/washed coffee to total Robusta exports was 0.32% lower than 0.38% in March 2025.
Arabica fetched an average price of US$6.21 per kilogram US cents 12 higher than the previous month (US$6.09).
The highest price was for Sustainable Arabica sold at US$8.70 per kilogram. It was followed by Bugisu C sold at US$ 7.81 per kilo.
Drugar was sold at US$ 6.54 per kilogram, 1.3 cents lower than 6.67 per kilogram the previous month. Drugar exports were 55% of total Arabica exports higher than 39% the previous month.
The share of sustainable Arabica exports to total Arabica exports was 4%, lower than 10% in March 2025.
Individual Exporter Performance
MAAIF’s report reveals that Ugacof (U) Ltd had the highest market share of 12.58% compared to 12.35% in March 2025.
It was followed by Export Trading Company (U) Ltd 7% (6.86%), Ideal Quality Commodities Ltd 6.89% (7.43%), Olam Uganda Ltd 6.7% (7.67%), Louis Dreyfus (U) Ltd 6.44%(6.15%), Jber Coffee Ltd 6.34% (6.08%), Kawacom (U) Ltd 5.91% (5.11%), Touton 5.87%(3.15%), JKCC 5.47%(6.4%) and Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd 5.24% (5.90%).
Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in March 2025.
The report reveals that the top 10 exporters held a market share of 68.43% slightly higher than 68% the previous month reflecting competition at exporter level.
“Out of the 80 exporters who performed, 32 exported Robusta Coffee only while 12 exported Arabica coffee only,” the report says.
Coffee Exports By Destination
According to the report, Italy maintained the highest market share with 42.02% compared to 38.43% last month.
It was followed by Germany 11.30% (6.89%), Spain 7.46% (6.06%), India 6.79% (8.92%), and Sudan 4.72% (5.72%).
It’s important to note that the figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in March 2025.
The first 10 major destinations of Uganda coffee took a market share of 87.26% compared to 85.06% the previous month.
Coffee exports to African countries totaled 76,467 bags, a market share of 11% compared to 69,052 bags (11%) 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 71% import share, higher than 63% in March 2025.
Foreign buyers of Uganda
The report reveals that the top 10 buyers held a market share of 55.48% higher than 52.64% the previous month. Sucafina led with a market share of 12.67% compared to 12.4% in March 2025.
It was followed by Louis Dreyfus 8.61% (8.98%); Olam International 7.13% (8.78%); Ecom Agro Industrialist 6.44% (5.25%); Touton SA 6.1 1 % (3.1%) Bernhard Rothfos 4.29% (4.64%); Pacorini Silocaf 3.33% (3.36%) Export Commodities 2.54% (1.2%), Koninklijke Douwe 2.39% (2.07%) and CCL Products 1.97% (3.34%).
Note:The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in March 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-December2024).
Local Situation
During the month of April 2025, MAAIF says farm gate prices ranged from UGX 7,000/=7,400/= per kilogram of Kiboko (Robusta dry cherries); UGX.14,500/=-15,000/= for FAQ (Fair Average Quality); UGX. 14,500- 15,000/= for Arabica Parchment; and UGX 14,000/=- 14,500/= per kilogram for Drugar. Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 7,200/= lower than UGX 7,600/= Robusta FAQ averaged UGX 14,500/= lower than UGX 15,250, Arabica parchment UGX 14,800 per kilogram, lower than 15,000/= Drugar UGX 14,000/= per kilogram lower than 14,500/= per kilogram.
Outlook for May 2025
The report indicates that coffee exports are projected to be 680,000 60-kilobags.
The main harvest season in Greater Masaka and south west and the fly crop north of equator is underway.
The coffee value chain is so far promising. Given the fact that Brazil is bouncing back, we have to emphasize product quality in all aspects and at all levels of the value chain. That way our Uganda coffee will be more competitive on a global scale.
Great progress
It’s interesting how the prices are deferring from those on ground.
Could it be PR or it’s the middle man taking off some?
This is so encouraging
This is great news. However my concern is how do we maintain quality, farmers are picking green Cheries and the thieves are also on the increase forcing farmers to pick raw green cheries
Let’s do what is within our capacity because thieves can even be in other business ventures globally.
I thank government for the effort to draw people out of poverty through coffee production.
How is progress in securing huge market from China?
Where is your farm
Local situation has now changed the local prices have drastically dropped by 3000/ Robust dry cherries now is at 11500/- 12000/ as of 1/6/2025 in south western Uganda to be specific in Ntungamo District.
Good analysis
I don’t know what’s going on but the coffee hullers are dramatically reducing the coffee prices.
Looks good