Uganda is set to host a delegation of top Chinese coffee industry players from May 12–22, 2025, for a national origin tour aimed at deepening trade ties and showcasing Uganda’s coffee sector firsthand. 
The high-level visit comes at a pivotal time, following a dramatic surge in exports to China during the first three months of 2025.
According to a report by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Uganda exported 35,532 bags of coffee to China in March alone, up from 12,264 in February—a 190 percent increase. This leap positioned China as Uganda’s second-largest coffee market in Asia, surpassing Japan, and 6th globally, overtaking Belgium and Spain.
This exceptional growth reflects the success of Uganda’s coordinated efforts in economic and commercial diplomacy—anchored by the Embassy in Beijing, the Consulate General in Guangzhou, and MAAIF that are closely aligned with the Ministry of Finance’s call to leverage diplomatic missions in advancing the country’s 10-fold economic growth strategy.

Uganda is preparing to host a high-level delegation of Chinese coffee industry stakeholders from May 12 to 22, 2025. The
visit aims to strengthen trade relations and provide Chinese buyers with firsthand experience of Uganda’s coffee sector.

Record Growth in Coffee Exports to China

This delegation arrives at a time when Uganda's coffee exports to China are experiencing unprecedented growth. In March 2025 alone, Uganda exported 35,532 bags of coffee to China, a significant increase from 12,264 bags in February—a 190% rise. This surge has elevated China to Uganda's second-largest coffee market in Asia, surpassing Japan, and sixth globally, overtaking Belgium and Spain

Strategic Economic Diplomacy

The remarkable growth in exports is attributed to Uganda's strategic economic and commercial diplomacy efforts. Key initiatives include active participation in international coffee expos, hosting coffee tasting events (cuppings), and engaging in targeted discussions with potential buyers. These efforts are spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), in collaboration with Uganda's Embassy in Beijing and the Consulate General in Guangzhou

Ramathan Ggoobi, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, emphasized the importance of leveraging diplomatic missions to promote Uganda's exports, stating that such proactive measures are central to the country's tenfold economic growth strategy.

Objectives of the Delegation's Visit

The visiting Chinese delegation will tour Uganda's coffee-growing regions, meet with local farmers and exporters, and explore investment opportunities within the coffee value chain. The goal is to deepen trade ties and showcase the quality and potential of Ugandan coffee to the Chinese market.

This visit underscores the strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and China, particularly in the agricultural sector, and highlights Uganda's commitment to expanding its presence in the global coffee market.