According to data from Xinhua News Agency and the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA), China has surpassed the United States to become the world's third-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee. It is reported that the Ethiopian Trade and Trade Administration (ECTA) exported 47,8 [more…]

The latest data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority shows that the country's coffee exports in May reached 43,481.02 tons, exceeding the target by 105% and generating 209.54 million US dollars in revenue. In the first 11 months of this fiscal year, cumulative exports reached 252,466.98 tons, with foreign exchange earnings of 1.208 billion US dollars, on track to break last fiscal year's record of 1.3 billion US dollars. Saudi Arabia, South Korea and the United States top the list of export destinations, while China's imports continue to grow. However, the ongoing civil war in Amhara region, the government's large-scale military deployment, and the Red Sea shipping crisis are casting a shadow over this landlocked country's coffee exports. Front Street Coffee continues to follow developments in the producing regions, bringing frontline news to enthusiasts. [more…]

Ethiopia's coffee industry delivered an impressive report card in October: export revenue surged 66% year-on-year to US$155.53 million, with export volumes exceeding 35,000 tonnes. High global coffee prices combined with increased production drove this growth, with cumulative export volumes from July to October rising 71% year-on-year. However, the ongoing conflict in Amhara State and disruptions to Red Sea shipping are putting pressure on this East African coffee powerhouse in the form of rising prices and mounting transport costs. This article reviews the latest data, conflict developments, and their potential impact on the coffee industry. [more…]

Ethiopia is striving to expand its coffee cultivation area and trade scale, aiming to achieve coffee export revenue exceeding 2 billion USD in the 2024/25 fiscal year. Over the past five years, the country has planted billions of coffee trees and introduced mechanized assistance, with export volumes in October of this fiscal year showing a significant year-on-year increase. However, the industry still faces price volatility, exchange rate risks, and uncertainties brought about by the new pricing mechanism. Meanwhile, Ethiopia and Somalia have signed the Ankara Declaration, which is expected to open up new maritime routes and alleviate logistical bottlenecks in coffee exports. This article will review the latest developments and prospects of Ethiopia's coffee industry. [more…]

Ethiopia's security situation has remained tense recently, and the Chinese consulate has issued a travel risk advisory. Several of the country's coffee-producing regions are located in high-risk areas, and clashes between the federal government and local armed groups could deal a severe blow to coffee production, the supply chain, and exports. Although coffee exports hit a record high in the first nine months of this fiscal year, the looming civil war, transport blockades, and the possible cancellation of the Cup of Excellence competition are all casting a shadow over the country's coffee industry. This article will review the current risk areas, the background of the conflict, and its potential impact on the coffee sector. [more…]

The latest data from the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority shows that in the first half of the 2023/24 fiscal year, the country's coffee exports reached 117,900 tons, with export revenue exceeding US$570 million. As one of Africa's most important coffee-producing countries, Ethiopia's coffee industry is facing the dual test of global market volatility and regional conflict. At the same time, in order to escape the predicament of being a landlocked country and broaden its export channels, Ethiopia signed a port lease memorandum of understanding with Somaliland, obtaining a 50-year right to use the Port of Berbera in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence. This article will review the latest developments in Ethiopia's coffee exports, the challenges it faces, and the far-reaching impact of this port agreement on the country's coffee trade. [more…]

Ethiopian coffee has performed impressively in the Chinese market, with exports growing 50% over the past two years to 20,000 tons, making China its eighth-largest importer. However, the conflict between government forces and Fano militia in the Amhara region of north-central Ethiopia continues to escalate and could trigger a civil war. Meanwhile, the federal government plans to amend the value-added tax law to include basic foods such as biscuits in the taxable scope, with coffee industry workers bearing the brunt. Industry insiders worry that if the situation deteriorates, Ethiopia's coffee exports will decline and prices will rise. Front Street Coffee breaks down the opportunities and challenges in this producing region for you. [more…]

The Ethiopia Commodity Exchange is implementing a brand-new pricing method for green coffee exports. From now on, green coffee prices will be calculated weekly by referencing Arabica futures on the New York ICE Intercontinental Exchange and the real-time exchange rate of the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia. This change is expected to allow local coffee farmers to share in more of the benefits, but it also faces a dual test from international futures volatility and the EU's EUDR regulations. The new mechanism applies only to commercial coffee beans, while specialty coffee is not included for the time being. Front Street Coffee will continue to follow developments in producing regions and bring first-hand information to enthusiasts. [more…]