Uganda Attains 19.5% Rise In Coffee Export Value Despite Dip In Volumes

High coffee price in the global market is still favouring Uganda’s export earnings, with the country registering 19.56% rise in value to US$ 83.52 million in July 2022, despite exported amounts declining by 170.57% to 576,468 60-kilo bags.

From the total exported amount, Uganda sold 528,235 bags of Robusta valued at US$ 71.53 million and 48,233 bags of Arabica valued at US$ 11.99 million.

By comparing quantity of coffee exported by type in the same month of last Coffee Year (July 2021), Robusta decreased by 19.91 % in quantity but increased by 13.92% in value. Arabica exports increased by 21.24% and 69.70% in quantity and value respectively.

The decrease in Robusta exports was mainly attributed to lower yields this year that were characterized by drought in most regions.

This led to a shorter main harvest season in Central and Eastern regions and reduced harvests from Greater Masaka and South-Western regions.

The increase in Arabica coffee exports is due to an on-year cycle characteristic of Arabica coffee production.

During the period under review Ugacof led the pack of the main exporters, commanding a market share of 11.12% compared to 15.33% in June 2022.

It was followed by Ideal Quality Commodities, Olam Uganda, Kyagalanyi Coffee, Louis Dreyfus Company, Touton Uganda Limited, Ibero Ltd, Kawacom (U), Besmark Coffee Company Limited and Export Trading Company.

Italy maintained its leading position as the top destination for Uganda’s coffee with a share of 40.62%.

It was followed by Sudan, Germany, India and Belgium. Coffee exports to Africa amounted to 118,694 bags, a market share of 21% compared to 109,506 bags of the previous month.

From the data, it is evident that Europe was the top coffee importer with a 61% market share. Meanwhile, African countries that imported Uganda coffee included Algeria, Sudan, Morocco, South Africa, and Kenya.

The total traded amount in the respective countries is accredited to a number of coffee buyers spread across the world.

During the period under review, the top 10 buyers held a market share of 65% of total exports lower than 67% the previous month.

Olam International led with a market share of 12.35% compared to 16.21% in June 2022. It was followed by Sucafina, Louis Dreyfus, Touton Geneve, Bernhard Rothofos, Volcafe, Altasheel Import & Export Enterprises, Ecom Agro industrialist, Hamburg Coffee and Cofftea.