Ethiopia generated $878.52 million in coffee export revenue during the first three months of the fiscal year, a 15% increase from the same period last year, with China emerging as the country's third-largest buyer and Russia entering the top 10 destination markets.

According to a statement issued over the weekend by the Ethiopian Coffee and Tea Authority, the country exported 131,069.51 tons of coffee, achieving 91% of its planned export volume of 144,433 tons and 85% of its revenue target of $1.033 billion.

Compared with the corresponding period of the previous fiscal year, coffee exports increased by 17,527.7 tons, while revenue rose by $115.77 million.

Saudi Arabia remained Ethiopia's largest coffee export destination, importing 28,362.77 tons worth $196.85 million, equivalent to 22% of total export volume. Germany ranked second, purchasing 22,924.18 tons valued at $136.69 million.

China secured third place, importing 15,125.54 tons of Ethiopian coffee worth $103 million, representing 12% of both export volume and revenue. The United States, South Korea, Belgium, Japan and the United Arab Emirates followed, while Italy ranked ninth and Russia entered the top 10 in tenth place.

The Authority said the top 10 destination countries accounted for 82% of Ethiopia's total coffee export volume and revenue. Exports to these markets registered a 19% increase in both volume and earnings compared with the same period last year.

The Authority attributed the growth to improvements in coffee quality, the adoption of technology in the trading system and coordinated efforts among stakeholders across the sector.