Ethiopia’s horticulture exports bring in over US$216M in five months

ETHIOPIA – Ethiopia’s horticulture sector has earned more than $216 million in just five months of the 2024–2025 fiscal year, according to the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration (MoTRI).

The ministry shared these figures during a recent performance review, showing continued interest from global buyers in Ethiopia’s flowers, fruits, and vegetables.

Exporters moved 45,878 tons of flowers between July and November, which brought in US$186.36 million. This marks a slight rise in income compared to the same time last year.

Vegetables and fruits also performed well. Ethiopia earned US$30.29 million from shipping over 121,000 tons, reflecting a growth rate of 6.55 percent year-on-year.

The Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom led as the top three destinations for Ethiopian flowers during the five-month period. In contrast, Somalia, Djibouti, and the Netherlands were the main buyers of vegetables.

“Ethiopia’s horticulture products continue to attract international markets because of their quality and steady supply,” a senior official at MoTRI said during the review. “We’re also seeing improvements in logistics and compliance with global standards.”

This announcement follows a strong full-year performance in 2023–2024, when Ethiopia earned US$564.89 million from horticulture exports. The bulk of that income came from cut flowers, herbs, and vegetable products, which are grown mainly in the central and southern parts of the country.

The Ethiopian Horticulture Producer Exporters Association (EHPEA) has played a central role in supporting the sector’s growth.

Through close cooperation with both the government and private investors, the association continues to promote the use of better farming techniques, traceability, and export readiness.

“The results we are seeing are not by chance,” said an EHPEA representative. “They are the outcome of continuous effort between growers, logistics players, and government offices. We are working together to meet global demand while also creating jobs here at home.”

In addition to flowers and vegetables, Ethiopia’s fruit exports are slowly gaining ground. According to MoTRI, better storage and faster market access have encouraged more farmers to join the export chain.

The government has also stepped up its role. It is working on easing trade regulations and improving cold chain infrastructure to prevent post-harvest losses. Officials say these steps will allow the country to maintain consistent supply, especially during peak seasons.

With stable growth in place and global interest holding steady, Ethiopia’s horticulture exports are expected to reach even higher figures in the second half of the fiscal year. The sector remains a key driver for job creation, rural income, and foreign exchange earnings.

“By focusing on quality and delivery timelines, we believe the sector will keep growing,” said a MoTRI spokesperson.

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