May coffee exports drop, but Uganda records strong annual growth
The report also highlighted continued market concentration within Uganda's coffee export sector.
Uganda’s coffee exports posted strong annual growth despite a significant decline in May shipments.
The country exported 8.6 million 60-kilogram bags worth US$2.3 billion (UGX 8.3 trillion) in the 12 months ending May 2026.
The latest Monthly Coffee Report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF).
The report shows that cumulative exports between June 2025 and May 2026 increased by 16 percent in volume and 11 percent in value compared to 7.4 million bags worth US$2.1 billion (UGX 7.7 trillion) exported during the previous coffee year.
However, exports in May 2026 fell sharply compared to the same month last year. Uganda exported 617,491 bags valued at US$151.7 million (UGX 571 billion), down 21.6 percent in volume and 37.4 percent in value from May 2025.
Robusta coffee accounted for the bulk of exports at 517,825 bags worth US$116.1 million, while Arabica exports stood at 99,666 bags valued at US$35.6 million.
The ministry attributed the decline to lower export volumes and weakening international coffee prices, with the average export price falling to US$4.1 per kilogram from US$4.3 per kilogram in April 2026 and US$5.1 per kilogram recorded in May 2025.
The report noted that prices are expected to remain under pressure as global supply improves, particularly following favourable production forecasts for Brazil’s 2026/27 coffee season.
At the farm gate, Robusta Kiboko traded at an average of UGX 5,250 per kilogram, while FAQ Robusta averaged UGX 11,250 per kilogram.
Arabica parchment fetched UGX 15,250 per kilogram, with Drugar Arabica averaging UGX 14,500 per kilogram. Coffee from Mt. Elgon A+ commanded the highest price at approximately US$9.3 per kilogram.
The report also highlighted continued market concentration within Uganda’s coffee export sector. The top 10 exporters handled 65 percent of all coffee exported during the period, with Export Trading Company (U) Ltd retaining the largest market share.
Overall, 75 companies exported coffee in May, although their combined market share declined to below 70 percent from the previous month.
Coffee remains Uganda’s leading agricultural export and a major source of foreign exchange, with sustained annual growth underscoring the sector’s resilience despite short-term fluctuations in export volumes and prices.
