China and Ukraine pay highest price for Kenyan coffee
China and Ukraine have emerged as the top-paying markets for Kenyan coffee, surpassing traditional buyers in a shift toward premium direct sales. This trend is supported by new zero-tariff arrangements and increased demand for specialty coffee in Asian and Eastern European markets.
Why it matters
The shift indicates a significant economic opportunity for Kenyan farmers to diversify their export markets and increase revenue through premium pricing.
China and Ukraine paid the highest average price for Kenyan coffee sold directly to buyers abroad in the quarter to March 2026, toppling Singapore and Hungary in a fresh shift that signals opportunities for local producers targeting premium markets.
Kenyan coffee, which is much sought-after by roasters and blenders, is marketed either through the weekly Nairobi Coffee Exchange (NCE) or sold directly to buyers abroad. The bulk of Kenya’s coffee is marketed through the NCE.
Analysis of fresh data by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) on Kenyan coffee directly sold abroad showed that China paid the highest average price of $646.07(Sh83,601.45) per 50kilogramme bag over the three months to March 2026, followed by Ukraine ($598.18 or Sh77,404.49), Australia ($597.63 or Sh77,333.32) and Hungary ($578.49 or Sh74,856.60).
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in