China has surged into the role of the fourth-largest importer of Ethiopian coffee, according to the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA). In the first quarter of Ethiopia’s current fiscal year, which began on July 8, nearly 9,470 tonnes of coffee were shipped to China, earning around US $65.49 million, a nearly sevenfold increase compared to the same period last year.
“Organic coffee shipments and improved delivery services have helped meet the growing demand of Chinese consumers for high-quality beans,” said Deputy Director-General Shafi Umer of ECTA. The rise in Chinese imports reflects both evolving consumer tastes in China and stronger trade linkages between Addis Ababa and Beijing.
Ethiopia, often regarded as the birthplace of Arabica coffee, now sees China not just as a buyer but as a partner in upgrading its export model. An earlier report noted that Ethiopia’s coffee exports to China have been growing at an average pace of 27 percent annually, thanks to efforts to engage directly with Chinese buyers, leverage cross-border e-commerce platforms, and expand premium coffee varieties.
The development deepens the broader Ethiopia–China bilateral relationship, anchored in diplomatic ties dating back to 1970 and reinforced through the Forum on China‑Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. Over recent years China has supported key infrastructure in Ethiopia such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, industrial parks, energy and water projects – which have helped modernize supply chains and make export logistics more effective.
In agriculture and trade, the coffee surge signals a shift in Ethiopia’s strategy: moving beyond commodity raw exports toward value-added, quality-driven offerings tailored to premium markets. Chinese interest in Ethiopian specialty beans, from the floral notes of Yirgacheffe to the wine-like tones of Harrar, speaks to this opportunity.
Analysts suggest that the uptick also reflects China’s strategic sourcing diversification, as it seeks alternative suppliers and specialized products beyond traditional markets. Ethiopian exporters speak of enjoying greater access through Chinese e-commerce platforms and trade fairs, opening new channels to growing consumer demand in China’s urban and youth segments.
However, challenges remain. Ethiopia must address supply-chain bottlenecks, improve processing standards and packaging, and strengthen logistics to fully leverage the newfound Chinese market.
