Ethiopia Urges Coffee Exporters to Sell Early as Global Prices Slide

Sell Now, Not Later

The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority issued a clear message to the country's coffee exporters in May 2026: sell your coffee without delay. With international prices already down nearly 30 percent per ton and major producer supply about to hit the market, ECTA warned that stockpiling in hopes of a rebound is a losing strategy.

ECTA Director General Dr. Adugna Debela advised traders not to expect price increases despite tensions in the Middle East, noting that geopolitical conflicts are unlikely to significantly lift coffee prices given the scale of incoming supply. Brazil alone is projected to market nearly 78 million quintals of coffee starting in June, with Vietnam adding further volume.

A Strong Year Despite Softening Prices

The warning comes on the back of a strong export run. Ethiopia had exported 320,000 metric tons of coffee this fiscal year, generating $2.2 billion — keeping the country on track toward its $3 billion annual target. Coffee remains the backbone of Ethiopia's trade performance, contributing the largest share of the $8.71 billion in total export revenue earned over the first ten months of the fiscal year, which exceeded the government's $7.25 billion goal.

Dr. Adugna urged Ethiopian exporters "to take advantage of the current market conditions and sell their coffee without delay" before downward price pressure intensifies.

What It Means for International Buyers

For importers and roasters, ECTA's push means Ethiopian supply should flow steadily to market rather than being held back for speculation. That supports availability and stable pricing for buyers of Ethiopian green coffee beans across grades and regions — from Sidamo to Yirgacheffe to Harar.

Buyers looking to lock in current market conditions can work directly with an Ethiopian coffee exporter to secure volumes while the sector is motivated to move stock quickly.