China has ascended to become the fourth-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee, moving up from seventh place within just two years, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, on October 23. In the first quarter of Ethiopia’s current fiscal year, which began on 8 July, the country exported approximately 9,470 tonnes of coffee to China, generating 65.49 million U.S. dollars in revenue. This represents a nearly sevenfold increase compared to the same period last year, reflecting China’s growing appetite for high-quality and organic coffee varieties.
Deputy Director General Shafi Umer attributed this remarkable growth to enhanced logistics and improved delivery systems that align with Chinese consumer preferences for premium coffee.
While Germany, Saudi Arabia, and Belgium continue to lead as Ethiopia’s top coffee markets, China now ranks closely alongside major destinations such as the United States, South Korea, the United Arab Emirates, Japan, Italy, and Russia — signalling a strengthening trade partnership between Addis Ababa and Beijing.