KAMPALA- In its latest Monthly performance report released last week, the defunct Uganda Coffee Development Authority (UCDA) revealed that Uganda’s coffee exports dropped by Shs110.5Bn.
“Coffee export earnings declined by 21.7 percent to US$108.91 million (Shs 399,473,167,200) in November 2024, from US$139.05 million (Shs510,024,276,000) in October 2024. This was due to a reduction in coffee export volumes and a reduction in the international coffee prices between the two months. The reduced volumes signal the start of the biannual off year cycle,” read in part the report.
According to the Authority, Coffee exports in November 2024, amounted to 400,536 60-kilo bags, worth US$ 108.91 million. This comprised of 342,982 bags of Robusta valued at US $ 91.66 million and 57,554 bags of Arabica valued at US$ 17.25 million.
“The monthly coffee exports volume was lower than the previous year. This was seen in Arabica exports due to the bi annual off year cycle coupled with poor flowering in Mt. Elgon region. The value of coffee exports was however higher due to the increase in global coffee prices as a result of dry conditions in Brazil and Vietnam, the world’s largest producers of Arabica and Robusta coffee respectively that are seen to affect coffee crop yields and, therefore, a likelihood of supply deficit in 2024/25,” as noted in the UCDA report.
The report further revealed that destinations of Uganda’s coffee exports during themonth of November 2024 included Italy that maintained the highest market share with 38.74% and it was followed by India 9.61%, Algeria 7.38%, U.S.A 6.47% and Russia 5.34%. The first 10 major destinations of Uganda coffee took a market share of 86.23% compared to 88.00% the previous month.
At the continental level, Coffee exports to African countries totaled 66,570 bags, a market share of 17% compared to 66,414 bags (13%) the previous month. African countries that imported Uganda coffee included Algeria, Morocco, Sudan, Tunisia, South Africa, Egypt and Kenya. Europe remained the main destination for Uganda’s coffees with a 58% import share, lower than 68% in October 2024.
The Authority also provided an update on the ongoing registration of coffee farmers and players in the sector revealing that using the Geospatial M&E system and farmer registration app, 7,524 farmers (6,211 men, 1,313 women, 12 youth, 39 elderly) and 7,432 farms were registered.
On what the future holds for Uganda, the Authority noted that Coffee exports are projected to be 500,000 60-kilobags. The main harvest season north of the equator has begun. The harvesting season for the fly crop in Greater Masaka and South-Western regions has also begun.
