Ethiopian Coffee Exports Could Hit Record High in 2014/15

The world’s coffee drinkers might not know it, but a major shift is quietly reshaping the global coffee supply. In 2014/15, a severe drought and pest outbreaks in South America—especially Brazil, the planet’s largest coffee producer—led to sharp declines in global output. That shortfall opened the door for other origins to step up, and one country is seizing the moment: Ethiopia.

Yes, Ethiopia—the birthplace of coffee—is on track to export a record 235,000 tonnes of coffee during the 2014/15 fiscal year, generating around $862 million in revenue. That’s up from 190,000 tonnes ($841 million) the previous year.

Why Ethiopia’s Coffee Exports Are Soaring

According to the International Coffee Organization (ICO), global coffee production in 2014 couldn’t keep up with demand, largely due to a devastating drought early in the year that hammered Brazil’s output. With supply tight, other producing nations have found new opportunities—and Ethiopia is leading the pack.

Ethiopia’s coffee export numbers tell the story. From July to October 2014 (the first four months of the 2014/15 fiscal year), the country exported 54,000 tonnes of coffee worth $231.9 million. For the same period in 2013, those figures were 51,000 tonnes and $172.5 million. That’s a clear increase in both volume and value.

Ethiopia’s Coffee Production Outlook

Ethiopia’s coffee production for the 2014/15 fiscal year is expected to remain steady compared to the previous year. Official data shows the country produced 450,000 tonnes of coffee in 2013/14, and projections for 2014/15 suggest a similar output level. That stable production underpins the potential for strong export volumes.

The Ethiopian Coffee Exporters Association forecasts total coffee exports of 235,000 tonnes for the full 2014/15 fiscal year, with expected earnings of $862 million. That compares to 190,000 tonnes ($841 million) in 2013/14—a year that already saw a slight dip from 193,000 tonnes exported in 2012/13.

What This Means for Global Coffee Trade

Ethiopia’s rise as a bigger player in global coffee exports comes at a time when traditional leaders like Brazil are struggling. The South American drought didn’t just reduce volume—it also impacted quality and consistency, making specialty-grade beans from regions like Ethiopia even more valuable to roasters and importers seeking reliable, high-quality supply.

For coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike, this shift highlights the growing importance of African origins, particularly Ethiopia, whose unique terroir and genetic diversity have long made it a cornerstone of the specialty coffee world.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much coffee is Ethiopia expected to export in the 2014/15 fiscal year?

Ethiopia’s Coffee Exporters Association forecasts the country will export 235,000 tonnes of coffee in the 2014/15 fiscal year, up from 190,000 tonnes in 2013/14.

What is the expected revenue from Ethiopian coffee exports in 2014/15?

The expected revenue from coffee exports for the 2014/15 fiscal year is around $862 million, compared to $841 million in 2013/14.

How did Ethiopia’s coffee exports perform in the first four months of 2014/15?

From July to October 2014, Ethiopia exported 54,000 tonnes of coffee valued at $231.9 million, up from 51,000 tonnes and $172.5 million in the same period of 2013.

Why are global coffee supplies tight in 2014?

The 2014 global coffee shortage is primarily due to drought and pest damage in Brazil, the world’s largest coffee producer, which significantly reduced its output early in the year.

Is Ethiopia’s coffee production expected to rise in 2014/15?

No, official data indicates that Ethiopia’s coffee production for 2014/15 is expected to be similar to 2013/14, at around 450,000 tonnes.

How does Ethiopia’s 2014/15 export volume compare to previous years?

Ethiopia’s 2014/15 export target of 235,000 tonnes is a significant increase over 2013/14’s 190,000 tonnes and 2012/13’s 193,000 tonnes.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Exploring Ethiopian Origins

For a true taste of Ethiopia’s diverse coffee character, try FrontStreet’s Ethiopia Humbera, a classic natural-process lot with intense blueberry, strawberry, and tropical fruit notes. Also explore FrontStreet’s Yirgacheffe offerings such as the Gedeb region’s bright, citrus-forward profiles, often showcasing jasmine and lemony acidity. For a deeper, more structured Ethiopian experience, look for their Sidamo selections, which balance stone fruit with spicy undertones. All showcase Ethiopia’s unique terroir and genetic richness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.