Coffee remains Uganda’s key foreign exchange earner
Uganda’s coffee exports for the last twelve months (November 2024-October 2025) have totaled 8.4 million bags worth US$ 2.4 billion (UGX 8.2 Trillion) compared to 5.8 million bags worth US$ 1.3 billion (UGX 4.88 trillion) in the previous year (November 2023-October 2024). This represents an increase of 46.96% and 77.33% in quantity and value respectively.
This revelation is contained in the just-released Ministry of Agriculture’s Monthly Coffee Report for October 2025.
According to the report, Uganda’s coffee exports in October 2025, totaled to 685,720 bags worth US$ 185.56 million (UGX 642.7 billion). This comprised of 597,925, bags of Robusta valued at US$ 151.51 million (UGX 524.8 billion) and 87,795 bags of Arabica valued at US$ 34.04 million (UGX 117.93 billion).
This was an increase of 38% and 33% in quantity and value respectively compared to the same month last year. Compared to the same month of last year (October 2024), Robusta increased by 31% and 19% in quantity and value respectively, and Arabica exports increased by 117% and 182% in quantity and value respectively.
“Coffee export volume was higher than the previous year on account of increased coffee production as harvest in Central and Eastern regions is already underway. Coffee prices at the global scene improved on weather related concerns Central America and Brazil and Vietnam,” the report says.
Exports by Type and Grade
MAAIF’s report indicates that the average export price was US$ 4.51 per kilogram, US cents 20 higher than in September 2025 (US$ 4.31). It was US cents 16 lower than in October 2024 (US $ 4.67/kilogram). Robusta exports accounted for 87% of total exports, lower than 91% in September 2025. The average Robusta price was US$ 4.22 per kilogram, 12 cents higher than US$ 4.10 per kilo the previous month.
The highest price was for Washed Robusta sold at US$ 4.88 per kilogram, followed by Screen 17 sold at US$ 4.60 per kilogram.
The share of Sustainable/washed coffee to total Robusta exports was 0.78% slightly higher than 0.33% in September 2025.
Arabica fetched an average price of US$ 6.46 per kilogram US cents 4 lower than the previous month (US$ 6.50).
The highest price was for Bugisu C/PB sold at US$ 8.33 per kilogram. It was followed by Wugar RFA sold at US$ 8.06 per kilogram. Drugar was sold at US$ 6.37 per kilogram, 4cents higher than US$ 6.34 per kilogram the previous month, and were 46% of total Arabica exports lower that 52% the previous month.
The share of sustainable Arabica exports to total Arabica exports was 7%, the same as in September 2025.
Individual Exporter Performance
The report reveals that Ugacof (U) Ltd had the highest market share of 12.44% compared to 10.60% in September 2025. It was followed by Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd 8.99% (10.40%), Touton Uganda Limited 6.86% (7.55%), Olam Uganda Ltd 5.99% (9.35%), Export Trading Company (U)Ltd 5.97% (4.62%), Ideal Quality Commodities Ltd 5.93% (6.94%), Jber Coffee Ltd 5.73% (6.29%), Kawacom U)Ltd 5.51% (3.29%), JKCC General Supplies Ltd 3.78% (3.99%) and Louis Dreyfus Company (U) Ltd 3.65% (5.68%).
Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in September 2025.
“The top 10 exporters held a market share of 64% lower 69% the previous month reflecting competition at exporter level. Out of the 69 exporters who exported, 44 exported Robusta Coffee only while 12 exported Arabica coffee only,” the report says.
Coffee Exports by Destination
Italy remained with the highest market share with 26.22% compared to 25.63% last month. It was followed by Germany 10.67% (13.04%), Algeria 7.49% (5.95%), India 6.62% (5.41%), and Switzerland 4.94% (2.14%). Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in September 2025.
“The first 10 major destinations of Uganda coffee took a market share of 74.66% compared to 77.90% the previous month,” the report says, adding: “Coffee exports to African countries totaled 108,540 bags, a market share of 16% compared to 182,441 bags (22%) the previous month. African countries that imported Uganda coffee included; Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, Tunisia, South Africa, Kenya and Egypt.”
Europe remained the main destination for Uganda’s coffees with a 63% import share, higher than 61% in September 2025.
Foreign buyers of Uganda Coffee
Sucafina led with a market share of 11.22% compared to 11.43% in August 2025. It was followed by Touton SA with 6.96% (7.88%), Ecom Agro Industrialist 6.26% (4.14%); Olam International 6.19% (10.32%), Volcafe 4.47% (3.53%); Bernhard Rothfos 3.95% (3.77%), Louis Dreyfus 3.81% (6.36%); Koninklijke Douwe Egberts 3.60% (2.64%), Ngon Coffee 2.67% (1.40%) and Strauss 2.31% (1.53%).
Note: The figures in brackets represent percentage market share held in September 2025.
Global Situation
According to the report, World coffee production for 2025/26 is forecast to be 4.3 million bags higher than the previous year to a record 178.7 million due to continued recovery in Vietnam and Indonesia as well as record output in Ethiopia. World coffee bean exports are forecast 700,000 bags higher to 122.3 million as gains from Vietnam, Ethiopia, and Indonesia more than offset losses from Brazil and Colombia. Global consumption is forecast at 169.4 million bags, while ending inventories are expected to remain tight at 22.8 million bags. (United States Department of Agriculture, Coffee: World Markets and Trade report-June 2025).
Local Situation
During the month of September 2025, the report says, farm gate prices ranged from UGX 6,500-7,500 per kilogram of Kiboko (Robusta dry cherries); UGX.14,000-15,000 for FAQ (Fair Average Quality); UGX 16,000-17,000 for Arabica Parchment; and UGX 16,000-17,000 per kilogram for Drugar.
Robusta Kiboko averaged UGX 7,000 per kilogram higher than UGX 6,050 Robusta FAQ averaged UGX 14,500 higher than UGX 13,750 per kilogram, Arabica parchment UGX 16,500 per kilogram, higher than UGX 14,500 per kilogram the previous month Drugar UGX 14,500 per kilogram lower than UGX 13,750 per kilogram the previous month.
Outlook for November 2025
MAAIF projects Uganda’s coffee exports to reach 550,000 60- kilo bags in November 2025 as the main harvest season in parts of Central and Eastern Regions is underway.
