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Ethio Coffee Import and Export PLC is a family-owned Ethiopian coffee exporter shipping green coffee beans to roasters, importers, and distributors worldwide.
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March 2026 Update: The 2025/26 harvest is largely complete across most regions. Late-season lots from Harrar and some western origins remain available. Contact us to secure remaining inventory or begin planning for the 2026/27 season.
The 2025 Ethiopian coffee harvest marks a milestone. According to the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service, Ethiopia's production for marketing year 2025/26 is projected at 11.56 million 60-kg bags, roughly 694,000 metric tons. That figure represents a 9% increase over the prior season and the highest output ever recorded for the country.
For importers, roasters, and green coffee buyers, the headline numbers look promising. More Ethiopian coffee is entering the market than ever before. Yet beneath the volume gains, significant structural changes are reshaping what is actually available, at what price, and on what terms. A 110% birr devaluation, cherry prices that surged up to fourfold in some areas, a shift from washed to natural processing, and the near-collapse of EU organic cooperative certification all demand attention.
This report combines the latest USDA production data with on-ground market intelligence from our sourcing network across Ethiopia's coffee regions. It covers regional outlooks, macroeconomic drivers, pricing, policy changes, and a practical timeline to help importers plan Ethiopian coffee purchases with confidence.
Ethiopia's diverse geography produces a staggered harvest across regions. Understanding when each origin picks, processes, and exports is essential for planning buying windows. For a comprehensive month-by-month procurement framework, see our Ethiopian coffee harvest calendar and seasonal buying guide.
| Region | Harvest Period | Processing Window | Export Availability | 2025 Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yirgacheffe | October – January | November – February | February – May | 2-3 weeks late; completed |
| Sidama | October – January | November – February | February – May | 2-3 weeks late; completed |
| Guji | October – December | November – January | January – April | Slightly delayed; completed |
| Harrar | November – February | December – March | March – June | On schedule; final pickings |
| Limu / Jimma | November – January | December – February | February – May | On schedule; strong yield |
| Kaffa / Benchmaji | October – January | November – February | February – May | Bumper year; completed |
The 2025 harvest started two to three weeks later than usual across southern regions. Dry weather during peak harvest supported good drying conditions, and early quality indicators are positive across all origins. Western Ethiopia experienced a particularly strong production year, with increased yields in Kaffa, Limu, and Benchmaji.
A defining feature of the 2025/26 season is the divergence between southern and western Ethiopia. Southern regions (Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Guji) saw lower yields compared to recent seasons, while western origins (Limu, Kaffa, Benchmaji) produced a bumper crop. This creates both challenges and opportunities for buyers.
The Gedeo Zone's famous Yirgacheffe micro-region produced lower volumes this season compared to the 2024 harvest. A delayed start compressed the picking window, concentrating labor demand and increasing costs. Despite the volume pressure, cup quality is excellent. The delayed harvest allowed cherries to develop fully, resulting in pronounced floral and citrus complexity in both washed and natural lots.
Sidama (formerly Sidamo, renamed after gaining regional autonomy) continues to deliver the fruit-forward naturals and balanced washed coffees the region is known for. The 2025 harvest shows particular strength in natural processed lots. Extended dry periods during processing created ideal conditions for slow, even drying. Washed production declined as many farmers chose to process coffee at home rather than sell fresh cherry to washing stations, drawn by higher returns for dried naturals.
For a deeper look at Sidama's production systems and the 495 new direct export licenses expanding sourcing options, see our Sidama coffee production and productivity guide.
Guji experienced lower productivity this season in line with the broader southern pattern, but the quality picture is outstanding. Higher altitudes in Shakiso, Uraga, and Hambela continue producing coffees with the signature stone fruit and jasmine aromatics that have made Guji a priority for specialty roasters. Private washing stations in the zone are competing intensely for cherry supply, driving up quality standards alongside prices.
Eastern Ethiopia's Harrar region produces some of the most distinctive coffees in the world: bold, winey naturals with dried fruit and spice character. The 2025 harvest proceeded on schedule, and as of March 2026, final pickings are wrapping up. Harrar offers one of the last buying windows for fresh 2025 crop, making it relevant for importers looking to fill late-season gaps.
While southern Ethiopia has long dominated specialty buyers' attention, western regions are the breakout story of this harvest. Limu, Jimma, Kaffa, and Benchmaji all reported bumper yields, driven by greater land availability, lower production costs, and increasing investment in washing stations and estate farms. Kaffa's Bitta area stands out for consistent washed and natural coffees with strong clarity and sweetness.
For buyers focused on value-driven quality, western Ethiopia offers a genuine opportunity this season. Larger available volumes, earlier shipment timelines, and competitive pricing make these origins attractive for both single-origin programs and blend components. Oromia accounts for 59% of national coffee output, with western zones contributing an increasing share.
Several macroeconomic developments have fundamentally altered the pricing and trade environment for Ethiopian coffee in 2025. Buyers who understand these forces can negotiate more effectively and anticipate market movements.
In July 2024, Ethiopia floated the birr after decades of fixed exchange rates. The resulting 110% devaluation sent shockwaves through the coffee supply chain. Domestic production costs soared in birr terms, while the move improved Ethiopia's export competitiveness in dollar terms. For importers, the practical effect is mixed: FOB prices in USD have risen, reflecting higher farmgate costs, but Ethiopia's position relative to other origins improved as the birr weakened.
Cherry prices peaked at 220 to 250 ETB per kilogram in December 2025, representing an increase of up to fourfold compared to recent seasons. Picking labor costs surged in parallel. One prominent producer in Guji reported paying 50 ETB per kilogram of cherry for picking alone, compared to 50 ETB per day just a few seasons ago. These cost pressures are being passed through the chain, raising FOB prices across all grades and processing methods. For a comprehensive analysis of the forces behind these increases, see our guide to rising Ethiopian coffee prices.
Unlike most coffee-producing countries that price using differentials to the New York "C" market, Ethiopia operates under a system of weekly minimum export prices set by the National Bank of Ethiopia. These minimums are indexed to NY "C" prices, exchange rates, and regional grade benchmarks. As the NY "C" market fluctuated in late 2025 and early 2026, Ethiopian minimum prices remained relatively high, creating tension for buyers accustomed to differential-based pricing. Forward commitments help exporters manage this exposure and offer better pricing certainty.
One of the most significant structural changes in the 2025/26 season is the shift from washed to natural processing. Following strong prices for dried natural coffee in the 2024/25 season, many smallholder farmers chose to process coffee at home rather than sell fresh cherry to washing stations. The economics are clear: farmers retain more value by drying and selling natural coffee themselves.
The result is a structural imbalance. Natural coffee is more abundant this season, while washed volumes have declined, particularly as the season progressed. For roasters and importers requiring washed Ethiopian coffee in any significant volume, earlier commitment is essential. Washed supply is expected to tighten further in coming months, with prices rising accordingly. Conversely, buyers open to high-quality naturals from Sidama and Guji will find excellent selection and competitive pricing.
Ethiopian coffee prices reflect both local cost pressures and global supply dynamics. Arabica futures on the ICE exchange rose from approximately 216 US cents/lb in May 2024 to 400.75 cents/lb by April 2025, driven by supply tightening in Brazil and Vietnam. Ethiopian green bean prices tracked even higher, rising from 270 to 423 cents/lb in the same period. Ethiopia's total coffee export value reached $1.7 billion in the 2023/24 marketing year, with volumes of 5.63 million bags.
| Grade / Origin | Processing | FOB Price/kg | FOB Price/lb | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yirgacheffe G1 | Washed | $9.00 – $10.00 | $4.10 – $4.55 | ↑ Strong increase |
| Yirgacheffe G1 | Natural | $9.50 – $10.50 | $4.30 – $4.75 | ↑ Premium for top lots |
| Sidama G1 | Washed | $9.00 – $10.00 | $4.10 – $4.55 | ↑ Strong increase |
| Sidama G2 | Washed | $8.50 – $9.50 | $3.85 – $4.30 | ↑ Moderate increase |
| Guji G1 | Natural | $9.50 – $10.50 | $4.30 – $4.75 | ↑ High demand |
| Limu G2 | Washed | $8.00 – $9.00 | $3.65 – $4.10 | ↑ Slight increase |
| Commercial G4 | Natural | $6.50 – $7.50 | $2.95 – $3.40 | ↑ Moderate increase |
*Prices are indicative and reflect March 2026 market conditions. Actual pricing depends on lot quality, volume, and contract terms. View our current offerings for specific quotes.
Stricter European regulations now mandate individual farmer certification, replacing the long-standing group certification model. This shift has dramatically increased costs and administrative complexity for cooperatives, which typically manage hundreds or thousands of smallholder members. Major unions including Oromia and Limu Inara have scaled back the number of certified cooperatives this season, resulting in a steep decline in available EU organic Ethiopian coffee.
NOP (USDA) and JAS (Japan) organic certifications remain largely unaffected, so buyers in North American and Japanese markets should not see the same supply constraints. Estate farms, with centralized landholdings, are better positioned to absorb the new EU requirements and are expanding their organic certified offerings. Importers targeting the EU market should secure organic supply early and consider estate-origin alternatives.
Several policy developments are reshaping who can export Ethiopian coffee and under what conditions:
Quality indicators for the 2025/26 season are positive across the board. Several investment trends are raising the quality floor:
Over 450,000 hectares of aging coffee trees have been stumped and replanted with improved, climate-resilient varieties as part of a national rejuvenation campaign. In targeted areas like Gedeo Zone, yields have increased up to threefold. Combined with the Green Legacy Initiative (25 billion seedlings planted since 2019, including coffee and shade trees), this effort is a key driver behind the record production forecast. For more on how climate change is shaping Ethiopian coffee production, see our dedicated analysis.
Exporters have reinvested recent profits heavily, acquiring estate farms, building new washing stations, and establishing dry mills in Addis Ababa. New fermentation tanks, improved raised drying beds, and better water management systems are raising quality standards. This is particularly evident in Guji and parts of Sidama, where private stations compete for cherry supply by offering premium prices for ripe, well-sorted cherry. The newly established Specialty Coffee Association of Ethiopia is further strengthening the country's global positioning, encouraging innovation in anaerobic fermentation and other experimental processing methods.
Based on this season's arrivals and sample evaluations:
Understanding Ethiopian coffee grading standards is essential for setting realistic expectations and negotiating fair prices.
With the 2025/26 harvest largely complete, here is where the season stands and what actions remain relevant:
At Ethio Coffee Import and Export PLC, our three decades of heritage sourcing relationships across Ethiopia's coffee regions position us to help importers plan purchases with confidence:
The 2025 Ethiopian coffee harvest delivers record volume alongside unprecedented market complexity. Production of 11.56 million bags confirms Ethiopia's trajectory toward its national goal of becoming the world's second-largest coffee producer and exporter by 2033, targeting $4 billion in annual export value. For importers, the opportunity is real, but the terms have changed.
Washed supply is tighter. Prices are higher. EU organic availability has narrowed. The birr devaluation has permanently shifted the cost structure. Buyers who adapt their strategies (committing early for washed lots, exploring western origins, understanding the minimum export price system) will find excellent coffee at every quality level. Those who wait risk paying more for less selection.
The unique genetic diversity of Ethiopian heirloom varieties, combined with improving processing infrastructure and expanding market access, ensures that Ethiopian coffee remains among the most compelling origins on earth. The question for importers is not whether to source from Ethiopia, but how to do it most effectively in a market that rewards preparation and relationships.
At Ethio Coffee Import and Export PLC, late-season lots from Harrar and western Ethiopia remain available. Contact us to secure remaining 2025/26 inventory, request samples, or start planning your 2026/27 sourcing strategy.
The Ethiopian coffee harvest runs from October through February, with peak picking in November and December. In 2025, southern regions started two to three weeks later than usual, while western origins harvested on schedule. Timing varies by altitude and growing zone, with higher-altitude areas picking later.
Ethiopia's 110% birr devaluation in July 2024 increased domestic production costs significantly, pushing cherry prices to 220-250 ETB/kg. FOB prices in USD rose across all grades, though Ethiopia's export competitiveness improved relative to other origins. Buyers should expect elevated pricing throughout 2025/26.
Many smallholder farmers chose to process coffee at home as dried naturals rather than selling fresh cherry to washing stations. Drying and selling natural coffee offers better returns for farmers. This structural shift reduced washed volumes while increasing natural supply. Buyers needing washed lots should commit early.
EU organic supply has declined sharply. New regulations requiring individual farmer certification instead of group certification made it financially unfeasible for many cooperatives. NOP and JAS organic certifications remain unaffected. Buyers targeting EU markets should explore estate-origin organic lots as alternatives.
Unlike most origins that use NYC differentials, Ethiopia sets weekly minimum export prices by grade and region, indexed to the NY "C" market and exchange rates. These minimums have remained relatively high even as futures fluctuated, creating pricing tension. Forward contracting helps manage this uncertainty for both buyers and exporters.
About This Insight: This harvest outlook is published by Ethio Coffee Import and Export PLC. It draws on field reports from our sourcing network, sample evaluations, and public data from the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service (GAIN Report ET2025-0014, June 2025). Market conditions, pricing, and availability are subject to change. For current information, contact our team. Last updated: March 2026.
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