Overview:
Uganda's monthly coffee revenues declined 37.4 percent in May 2026 due to falling international prices, though Italy increased its share as the leading destination for shipments.
Italy remains top buyer as Uganda coffee export earnings dip in May
KAMPALA, Uganda — Italy maintained its position as the primary destination for Ugandan coffee in May 2026, even as the country’s overall coffee export earnings fell 37.4% compared to the same period last year.
Italy imported 26% of Uganda’s total coffee exports during the month, up from 19.3% in April, according to the latest monthly report from the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
The rise in Italy’s market share came as Uganda’s monthly coffee export revenues declined to $151.7 million, about 555.1 billion shillings, from the $242.5 million, or 887.3 billion shillings, recorded in May 2025. Export volumes also decreased by 21.6% to 617,491 60-kilogram bags, down from 788,115 bags over the same period.
Ministry officials attributed the monthly drop to lower international coffee prices amid expectations of improved global supplies, particularly following a favorable production outlook for the 2026-27 coffee season in Brazil.
The average export price fell to $4.10 per kilogram in May, down 2 cents from April and well below the $5.10 per kilogram recorded in May 2025.
Despite the monthly decline, Uganda’s coffee exports over the 12 months ending in May 2026 remained on an upward trajectory. Annual shipments increased to 8.6 million bags worth $2.3 billion, about 8.42 trillion shillings, representing a 16% growth in volume and an 11% increase in value compared to the previous 12-month period.
Other leading destinations for Ugandan coffee during the month included India at 9.5%, Sudan at 9.2%, Germany at 9.1%, Morocco at 7.1% and the United States at 5.2%. Together, the top 10 export destinations accounted for 79% of all shipments, up from 73% in April.
Robusta remained Uganda’s dominant export, accounting for 84% of all coffee shipped. The country exported 517,825 bags of Robusta worth $116.1 million, or 424.8 billion shillings, while Arabica exports stood at 99,666 bags valued at $35.6 million, about 130.3 billion shillings.
Average export prices stood at $3.70 per kilogram for Robusta and $5.90 per kilogram for Arabica. Among premium grades, Mt. Elgon A+ fetched the highest price at $9.30 per kilogram, followed by Bugisu C at $7.10 per kilogram, while Drugar averaged $6 per kilogram.
Among local exporters, Export Trading Company (U) Ltd. led the market with an 11.6% share, followed by Ugacof (U) Ltd. at 9.9%, Kyagalanyi Coffee Ltd. at 8.5%, Ideal Quality Commodities Ltd. at 7.7%, and Jber Coffee Ltd. at 6.9%.
Louis Dreyfus Company (U) Ltd. held a 5.7% share, Olam Uganda Ltd. accounted for 4.6%, DRK General Merchants Ltd. stood at 3.8%, Kawacom (U) Ltd. at 3.2%, and Ibero (U) Ltd. at 2.9%.
The top 10 exporters accounted for 65% of total shipments in May, down from 70% in April, as 75 companies participated in coffee exports during the month.