• Ethiopia earned $6.76 billion export revenue in first 8 months of FY 2025/26

• Export performance achieved 101% of government target

• Coffee exports generated over $1.5 billion, leading all commodities

• Gold exports exceeded $1 billion, driven by increased deliveries

• Oilseeds and pulses contributed over $1.2 billion combined

• Horticulture exports surpassed $500 million, showing steady growth

Why it matters?

Stronger export performance improves forex liquidity, easing import constraints and supporting trade, logistics, and industrial supply chains in Ethiopia.

• Coffee export earnings approach $3bn, up from about $1.4bn–$1.5bn in prior years
• Export volumes increased, exceeding 300,000 tonnes, driven by improved supply and pricing
• Global coffee prices declined after peaking, with futures falling from recent highs
• Brazil expected to produce over 60 million bags, increasing global supply
• Coffee accounts for over 30% of Ethiopia’s total export earnings
• FX inflows from coffee support import financing and reserve accumulation
• Price decline risks could reduce export earnings despite higher volumes

Why it matters?

Coffee drives a large share of Ethiopia’s FX inflows, directly financing imports. A global price decline, despite higher export volumes, could reduce FX availability, affecting trade balance, logistics demand, and import capacity.

• Global coffee prices declined sharply in 2026, triggering financial risk for Ethiopian exporters holding inventories.
• Exporters face losses as current prices fall below previously held stock purchase price levels.
• Coffee generates over $1 billion annually, remaining Ethiopia’s top foreign exchange earner.
• Large volumes of unsold stock increase exposure to price volatility and liquidity pressure.
• Authorities warn continued hoarding could amplify sector-wide financial losses.
• Exporters urged to release stocks immediately to limit further price-driven losses.

why it matters?

With over $1 billion in annual export value, price declines and stockpiling risks can significantly reduce Ethiopia’s FX inflows and strain exporter finances.

Ethiopia Pulses, Oilseeds Export Sector Faces Tax and Logistics Constraints

• Ethiopia exported 707,000 tonnes of pulses, generating USD 575 million during the current fiscal year.
• Oilseeds exports reached 363,000 tonnes, generating about USD 330 million in revenue.
• Pulses exports achieved about 95% of annual targets, according to Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
• Oilseeds exports reached 66% of the government’s annual export target.
• Exporters raised concerns over new tax rules, logistics costs, and port clearance delays affecting shipments.
• Meeting between exporters and the Ministry of Trade was held 7 March 2026 to address sector challenges.

Why it matters?

Pulses and oilseeds are among Ethiopia’s major non-coffee agricultural exports. Lower oilseeds export performance and rising logistics and tax costs could affect foreign currency earnings and export competitiveness.

• Ethiopia generated USD 62 million from meat exports in the first six months of the fiscal year.

• Exporters shipped about 11,000 tons, below the 12,000-ton six-month target.

• Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates remained primary export destinations.

• Qatar agreed to resume meat imports starting during Ramadan after suspension.

• Industry reported USD 57 million earnings from 11,000 tons, below the USD 62 million target.

• Meat Producers and Exporters Association cited limited investment in feed and by-product processing.

• Endemic livestock diseases restrict access to United States and Asian markets due to certification requirements.

Why it matters?
Meat exports generated up to USD 62 million in six months but missed volume and revenue targets. Feed instability, disease control gaps, and market access barriers continue affecting export performance and foreign currency earnings.

• Ethiopia and Qatar finalized talks to restart meat exports after a prolonged suspension. 

• Restart of meat exports is scheduled ahead of the holy period (Ramadan). 

• The export suspension preceded the new agreement. 

• Qatar is confirmed as a destination market for Ethiopian meat trade. 

• No export volumes, values, or dates were disclosed in the announcement. 

Why it matters?
Resumption of bilateral meat trade restores a previously halted export channel. Timing aligns with an upcoming high-demand period, potentially affecting Ethiopian livestock exporters.

• Ethiopia recorded $5.1 billion in merchandise export revenue in H1 of FY 2025/26, achieving 120% of target. 

• Service exports earned $4.5 billion and remittances contributed $4.6 billion in the same period. 

• FDI inflows reached $2.3 billion in first six months of fiscal year. 

• Export revenue exceeded target by $1.83 billion compared to same period last year. 

• Government pursuing $9.4 billion full-year export revenue goal for FY 2025/26. 

• Minister of Trade highlighted Digital Ethiopia 2030 Strategy online trade services implementation. 

• Export performance report delivered at six-month performance review in Dessie. 

why it matters? Strong export performance expands foreign exchange earnings and supports Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda, reinforcing trade sector contribution to growth.