Ethiopia has opened a new specialty coffee trading centre in Zhuzhou, Hunan Province, as part of efforts to strengthen coffee exports to China and deepen bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
According to the source, the Zhuzhou facility is designed to support coffee exhibitions, commercial transactions and cultural exchange, while building closer connections between Ethiopian exporters and Chinese buyers.
It is expected to serve as a dedicated platform for promoting Ethiopian specialty coffee and enabling more direct and efficient trade channels into the Chinese market.
The launch coincided with the Ethiopia–China Coffee Economic and Trade Cooperation Conference, which drew nearly 300 participants. The event brought together government officials, coffee industry stakeholders and business leaders from Ethiopia and China’s Hunan Province.
Organised by the Ethio-China Friendship Committee, the conference focused on expanding the presence of Ethiopian coffee in China and strengthening wider economic cooperation between the two countries.
Ethiopia is one of the world’s leading coffee producers, while China has become an increasingly important destination for its exports. Official data shows that Ethiopia exported 16,300 metric tonnes of coffee to China over the past five months, earning US$113 million in revenue.
Don’t Miss This:
Ethiopia Reaches Deal With Bondholders On Restructuring $1 Billion 2024 Eurobond
Adugna Debela Bote, Director-General of the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, said the Zhuzhou trading centre will help Ethiopian exporters reach Chinese consumers more effectively.
He explained that leveraging Zhuzhou’s cross-border e-commerce pilot zones could allow for more direct sales, while also supporting long-term market growth through consumer engagement and cultural promotion.
The event also saw the signing of several cooperation agreements between Ethiopian and Chinese companies. These agreements cover coffee trade, barter trade platforms and new energy development, reflecting the expanding scope of economic collaboration between the two countries.
Hu Xusheng, Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Hunan Provincial People’s Congress, said the initiative demonstrates Hunan Province’s active role in China–Africa economic cooperation.
He pointed to the province’s position as host of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo as a key part of its engagement with African partners.
Alongside the conference, a trade promotion event was held in Zhuzhou City to introduce Ethiopian specialty coffee to a broader local consumer audience. Officials said such initiatives are aimed at building brand recognition and stimulating demand within the Chinese market.
China’s role as a destination for Ethiopian coffee has expanded rapidly, rising from the 33rd largest market five years ago to fourth place this year.
In 2024 alone, Ethiopia exported more than 35,000 tonnes of coffee to China. Coffee remains central to Ethiopia’s economy, generating US$2.7 billion in export earnings.
Don’t Miss This:
Ethiopia’s 500-Ton Gold Potential Draws Investors As Askari Secures Exploration Funds
Image Credit: EBC
