• Uganda showcased coffee, tea and dairy products in Shanghai to expand exports to China

• Coffee exports reached $2.4bn in 2025, making Uganda Africa’s leading exporter

• China remains a small but fast-growing market, with imports of Ugandan coffee at about $28m

Uganda is seeking to expand exports of coffee, tea and dairy products to China through its participation in HOTELEX Shanghai 2026, as Kampala targets greater access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

The initiative, led by the Embassy of Uganda in Beijing, connected Ugandan exporters with Chinese buyers across hospitality, retail and e-commerce sectors, with business-to-business engagements aimed at securing new commercial partnerships.

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Uganda proudly showcased its premium coffee, tea, and dairy products at HOTELEX Shanghai 2026 under the theme “From the Source of the Nile to the Streets of… pic.twitter.com/Ty96vqwz2L

— Government of Uganda (@GovUganda) April 2, 2026

Uganda used the platform to showcase its agricultural products through coffee cupping sessions and trade exhibitions, positioning its exports within China’s growing demand for premium and specialty products.

The push comes as coffee remains Uganda’s main export commodity. The country exported 8.4 million 60-kg bags of coffee worth about $2.4 billion in 2025, making it Africa’s largest coffee exporter.

However, China still represents a relatively small share of Uganda’s export markets. According to UN Comtrade data, Uganda exported about $27–28 million worth of coffee and related products to China in 2024, compared to total exports to China of roughly $92.6 million.

Ugandan coffee exports to China have already shown strong momentum, rising sharply in recent years, with some reports indicating triple-digit growth driven by demand from café chains and specialty roasters.

Beyond coffee, Uganda is also promoting tea and dairy products as part of its export diversification strategy, aiming to increase value addition and reduce reliance on a narrow set of commodities.

The strategy is also tied to broader trade dynamics. Uganda continues to run a significant trade imbalance with China, exporting far less than it imports. Previous official data shows exports to China at tens of millions of dollars, compared to imports exceeding $1 billion.

Officials say improved market access, particularly through China’s proposed zero-tariff policy for African products, could help address this imbalance by boosting the competitiveness of Ugandan exports.

China’s fast-growing consumer market and evolving coffee culture present a major opportunity for African exporters. For Uganda, increasing exports to China is not only about market diversification but also about correcting structural trade imbalances, boosting foreign exchange earnings, and moving up the agricultural value chain through higher-value and branded products.

HOTELEX Shanghai is one of Asia’s largest hospitality trade exhibitions, bringing together thousands of exhibitors and buyers from the food service, hotel, and retail industries. The 2026 edition, held in late March in Shanghai, attracted a broad range of international participants, including distributors, restaurant chains and e-commerce platforms, making it a strategic entry point for exporters targeting the Chinese consumer market.

By Cynthia Ebot Takang