Ethiopian coffee exports to China are rapidly expanding following the introduction of a zero-tariff regime for African goods, opening new opportunities for one of the world’s leading coffee producers in one of the fastest-growing consumer markets, reports
CCTV+, a partner of TV BRICS.
The policy, introduced by China, grants duty-free access to imports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing and marks a new step in deepening economic cooperation with the continent.
According to the source, Ethiopia ranks among the world’s top five coffee producers, and China has already become its fourth-largest export destination. Ethiopian coffee shipments to China have grown sharply in recent years, rising from just a few thousand tonnes to more than 50,000 tonnes annually.
Industry representatives say the removal of tariffs will make Ethiopian coffee more price-competitive, encouraging higher demand across the Chinese market. This, in turn, is expected to stimulate production and improve incomes for farmers and exporters.
The growing popularity of Ethiopian coffee reflects broader shifts in consumer preferences in China, where coffee consumption has been expanding rapidly, particularly among younger urban populations. New retail and distribution channels are also supporting market penetration, including specialised outlets dedicated to African coffee products.
The expansion of coffee trade forms part of a wider trend in China–Africa economic relations. Bilateral trade has reached record levels for five consecutive years and is projected to exceed US$300 billion in 2025, with agricultural imports playing an increasingly important role.
Chinese imports of African agricultural products have averaged more than US$5 billion annually in recent years, including commodities such as citrus fruits, avocados and nuts, alongside coffee.
At the same time, China continues to play a major role as an investor in Ethiopia’s economy, accounting for a significant share of foreign direct investment inflows, the source claimed.