Uganda’s coffee exports jumped 38 per cent in October, driven by an abundant harvest and surging arabica prices that more than doubled earnings from the premium bean.
The country exported 685,720 60-kilogram bags during the month, valued at $185.6mn (Shs646.1bn), according to data from the Ministry of Agriculture. Volumes rose from 496,837 bags in October 2024, whilst earnings climbed 33 per cent.
Arabica exports, which account for 13 per cent of Uganda’s coffee, surged 117 per cent by volume to 87,795 bags. Revenues from the variety increased by 182 per cent to $34mn, reflecting global price increases for the premium bean used in speciality blends. Arabica coffee fetched an average of $6.46 per kilogram in October, compared to $4.22 for robusta.
The ministry said that the harvest in central and eastern Uganda is now underway, contributing to the substantial increase in volume. Global coffee prices have remained elevated due to supply concerns in Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s two largest producers, which have experienced drought and adverse weather.
Robusta, which accounts for 87 per cent of Uganda’s coffee exports, rose 31 per cent by volume to 597,925 bags. Earnings from robusta increased 19 per cent to $151.5mn.
For the twelve months to October, Uganda — also Africa’s leading coffee exporter — exported 8.4mn bags worth $2.4bn, marking increases of 47 per cent and 77 per cent respectively compared to the previous year.
Europe remained the primary market, absorbing 63 per cent of October’s exports. Italy took the largest share at 26 per cent, followed by Germany at 11 per cent. African countries accounted for 16 per cent of shipments, down from 22 per cent in September, with Algeria, Sudan, and Morocco the main buyers.
The United States, the sixth-largest export destination overall, took 4.5 per cent of October’s coffee, but remains the fourth-largest buyer of Ugandan arabica coffee after Italy, Germany, and Belgium.
Ugacof maintained its position as the country’s largest exporter with a 12 per cent market share. The top 10 exporters accounted for 64 per cent of volumes, down from 69 per cent in September, reflecting broader competition amongst the 69 companies that shipped coffee last month.
The ministry forecast exports of 550,000 bags for November as the harvest in the central and eastern regions continues.
($1 = Shs3,481.95, on 31 October 2025)
