Uganda sees 190% surge in exports to China

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Uganda has experienced a remarkable 190 per cent increase in exports to China, underscoring the growing importance of trade between the two nations.

This surge was particularly evident in March, with coffee playing a key role, positioning China as Uganda’s second-largest coffee market in Asia.

The announcement was made during the inaugural Uganda-China Coffee Trade and Investment Conference, held at Mestil Hotel on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The event was attended by Zhang Lizhong, the Chinese Ambassador to Uganda, along with a delegation of Chinese officials.



"With China's increasing demand for premium and specialty coffees, Uganda's high-quality Arabica and Robusta beans are well-suited to meet this market need," noted Vicent Waiswa Bagiire, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

He praised the visiting Chinese delegation participating in the Coffee Awareness Tour from May 12-21, 2025, explaining that the event provides Ugandan coffee farmers and industry stakeholders with an opportunity to build relationships with Chinese investors and importers. This will facilitate direct trade links, eliminate middlemen, improve profit margins for farmers, and enhance the competitiveness of Uganda’s coffee industry.

Additionally, these tours promote Uganda’s heritage, production capacity, and competitive advantages in global markets.

"By showcasing our unique coffee flavours and quality, we can differentiate ourselves from other coffee-producing countries and establish a new customer base in China," he added.

Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bagiire Vincent Waiswa, speaking to delegates during the 1st Uganda-China Coffee Trade and Investment meeting on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at Mestil Hotel in Kampala. (Photo by Miriam Najjingo)

Bagiire noted that the tours also attract investments in value addition, enabling Uganda to move up the coffee value chain and boost its foreign earnings. With China’s expertise in coffee processing and packaging, Uganda can learn best practices to strengthen its own industry.

"These tours foster people-to-people diplomacy, promoting cultural exchange and understanding between Uganda and China," he emphasised.

On his part, Lizhong congratulated Oliver Wonekha, Uganda’s Ambassador to China, and all the relevant ministries for organising the first Uganda-China Coffee Awareness event last week, marking a renewed chapter in agricultural and tourism cooperation between the two nations.

He mentioned that he had closely followed the tour organised by Uganda and participated in by the Chinese guests.

"I noticed the Chinese delegation visiting the main coffee farming areas and agro-industrial hubs in western and eastern Uganda, as well as exploring Uganda’s eco-tourism potential, including Sipi Falls and Queen Elizabeth National Park," he said.