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CIIE in Hunan: A Special Feature | A Single Signing Agreement Helps "Made in China" Products Increase in Value for Ethiopian Coffee Beans

The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) was held in Shanghai from November 5th to 10th. Rednet News launched the “CIIE in Hunan” column to bring you the latest CIIE news and witness Hunan’s presence and global business opportunities amidst the tide of opening up.

On November 5th, at the 2025 Changsha Open Economy and National Import Trade Promotion and Innovation Demonstration Zone Promotion Conference, 12 key investment and procurement projects were signed. On the signing stage, Liu Yajuan’s pen fell gently as she, representing Changsha Zhuorui Consulting Co., Ltd. (hereinafter referred to as “Zhuorui”), signed a direct import procurement project for Ethiopian coffee beans with a coffee exporter from Bunaroma.

Ethiopia tightens coffee export rules with higher capital thresholds, stricter quality standards

ETHIOPIA – The Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority (ECTA) has implemented a new directive increasing capital requirements and introducing stricter quality standards for coffee exporters.

The move is designed to enhance accountability, curb illegal practices, and professionalize Ethiopia’s vital coffee sector.

Under Directive 1106/2025, private coffee exporters must now hold a minimum capital of Birr 15 million, up from Birr 1 million. Trade associations and larger companies, including joint stock and limited liability firms, face a capital increase from Birr 1.5 million (US$10,391.97) to Birr 20 million (US$138.6K).

Global coffee output to hit record 10.7M tonnes in 2025/26 – USDA

GLOBAL – Global coffee production is forecast to reach a historic high of 10.7 million tonnes (178.7 million bags) in the 2025/26 crop year, according to the latest outlook by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

The increase of 4.3 million bags from the previous season is driven largely by a surge in robusta coffee production in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Ethiopia. Robusta output is expected to rise by 7.9% to 4.9 million tonnes, offsetting a 1.7% decline in arabica production, which is projected at 5.8 million tonnes. This shift marks a notable trend in global production, with countries focusing more on robusta due to climate adaptability and higher yields.

Ethiopia’s coffee production forecast to reach record 11.6M bags in 2025/26 amid reforms, climate gains

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s coffee production is forecast to reach a record 11.6 million 60-kilogram bags in the 2025/26 marketing year, according to the United States Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS USDA).

This represents a 9% increase from the previous year, driven by favorable weather conditions, regeneration of aging coffee trees, and adoption of higher-quality seedlings and inputs.

Government campaigns promoting stumping—deep pruning of old trees—have been implemented on more than 450,000 hectares, with farmers also receiving improved seedlings, fertilizers, and training.