Uganda’s coffee exports rose modestly in January, as a sharp increase in arabica shipments offset a decline in robusta volumes amid easing global prices.
The country exported 569,454 60-kilogram bags during the month, valued at $161mn (Shs573.5bn), according to the latest report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries. Volumes rose 2 per cent year-on-year, while earnings increased 1.5 per cent.
The average export price fell to $4.71 per kilogram, down from $4.97 in December, reflecting softer global prices as improved rainfall in Brazil eased supply concerns.
Arabica exports, which accounted for 21.4 per cent of total shipments, rose 85 per cent by volume to 121,855 bags. Earnings from the variety more than doubled, climbing 134 per cent to $50mn, supported by premium grades.
Arabica fetched an average of $6.83 per kilogram, compared with $4.13 for robusta. Bugisu AA commanded the highest price at $7.75 per kilogram.
By contrast, robusta exports fell 9 per cent by volume to 447,599 bags, while earnings declined 19 per cent to $111mn. The variety still accounted for 78.6 per cent of total exports.
The ministry’s Department of Coffee Development attributed the overall increase in volumes to higher production, even as global prices moderated on expectations of improved supply. World coffee output is forecast to rise in the 2025/26 season, driven by recoveries in Vietnam and strong crops in Indonesia and Ethiopia.
For the 12 months to January, Uganda exported 8.9mn bags worth $2.5bn, up from 6.1mn bags valued at $1.5bn in the previous period; increases of 44 per cent and 61 per cent respectively.
Europe remained the largest destination, taking 63 per cent of shipments. Italy retained the biggest share at 26 per cent, followed by Germany at 10 per cent. Sudan, India and Belgium were also among the leading buyers.
African markets accounted for 17 per cent of exports, with Sudan, Morocco and Algeria among the main destinations.
Ugacof maintained its position as the largest exporter, with a market share of 14.3 per cent. The top 10 exporters controlled 67 per cent of shipments, up from 54 per cent in December, reflecting a higher share among leading exporters.
The ministry projects exports of 500,000 bags in February, as the main harvest season in parts of central and eastern Uganda comes to an end.
Farm-gate prices declined during the month, with robusta kiboko averaging Shs6,250 per kilogram, down from Shs6,750 in December. Arabica parchment prices also edged lower to Shs16,500 per kilogram.
($1 = Shs3,562.1, January average)
