President Taye Affirms Ethiopia’s Commitment to Expanding Coffee Market Share in China

Addis Ababa, December 27, 2025 (ENA)—President Taye Atske-selassie has expressed Ethiopia's commitment to strengthening coffee trade relations with China during his video address to the inaugural China-Ethiopia Coffee Economic and Trade Promotion Conference held in Zhuzhou City, Hunan Province.

The landmark conference, organized by the Ethio-China Friendship Committee, aims to introduce Ethiopia's specialty coffee varieties to over 700,000 potential consumers in the Chinese market, reflecting the deepening trade partnership between the two nations.

"We convene this event not only to talk about coffee but also to celebrate the partnership between Ethiopia and China that is as rich and enduring as the coffee we cherish," President Taye stated in his address to conference participants.

The President highlighted Ethiopia's position as the historic birthplace of coffee, emphasizing the country's pride in offering specialty coffee varieties including Yirgacheffe, Sidama, Kaffa, Harrar, and Jimma to global markets.

He noted that the coffee industry serves as the backbone of Ethiopia's national economy, supporting 25 percent of employment and generating 30 percent of foreign exchange earnings.

The conference comes at a time when China has emerged as a significant market for Ethiopian coffee, climbing from the 33rd largest destination five years ago to become the 4th largest market currently.

Ethiopia exported more than 35,000 tons of coffee to China in the previous year, demonstrating the growing commercial relationship between the two countries.

President Taye praised the commitment shown by Hunan Provincial and Zhuzhou Party Committee leadership, particularly following a recent mission to Ethiopia led by Betty Xu, Chairperson of the Ethio-China Friendship Committee.

"The commitment shown by the Hunan Provincial and Zhuzhou Party Committee and Municipal leadership reflects a profound understanding of Africa's economic potential," he remarked.

The Ethiopian delegation to the conference includes Ambassador Tefera Derbew, Ethiopia's envoy to China; Ifa Muleta, State Minister of Agriculture; Tesfahun Gobezay, State Minister of Government Communication Service; and Adugna Debela, Director General of the Coffee and Tea Authority, along with various regional leaders and stakeholders.

During his address, the President outlined innovative strategies proposed by Chinese partners, including the establishment of a Premier Distribution Hub that will position Zhuzhou as a central gateway for Ethiopian coffee within the vast Chinese market.

He also emphasized Strategic Industrial Synergy, which aims to align Zhuzhou's industrial capabilities with Ethiopia's developmental aspirations to create a sustainable multi-sectoral ecosystem.

"Our collaboration extends far beyond the coffee bean," President Taye explained, noting that under the framework for China-Africa Cooperation, both countries share a comprehensive vision where agriculture, rural green development, trade, foreign direct investment, and connectivity serve as gateways to broader industrial transformation.

The President emphasized that cooperation should extend beyond agricultural products and critical minerals to include value-added commodities, enabling African countries like Ethiopia to meaningfully integrate into the increasingly demanding global value chain.

High-ranking Chinese officials, including the Mayor of Zhuzhou City, attended the conference to support the economic partnership and explore opportunities for expanded trade cooperation.

President Taye concluded his remarks by expressing confidence that the conference will not only elevate global appreciation for Ethiopian coffee but also serve as a blueprint for modern China-Africa trade relations.

"I invite everyone here today to experience the soul of Ethiopia through our coffee – to understand it, to love it, and to make it a part of our lives," he stated.

The conference represents a strategic initiative to capitalize on the momentum of growing Sino-Ethiopian trade relations and ensure Ethiopian coffee remains a preferred choice for Chinese consumers in the expanding market.