Data from the London International Financial Futures and Options Exchange (LIFFE) showed that Robusta futures ended the day stronger, holding onto 89.13% of earlier gains.
The May Robusta position closed at $5,373 (about sh19.65 million) per ton, marking a rise of $110 (approximately sh402,600), while the July position settled at $5,340 (roughly sh19.54 million) per ton, up by $101 (about sh369,660).
The bullish momentum was mirrored in Arabica futures traded on the Intercontinental Exchange (ICE). Arabica coffee prices rose, buoyed by momentum buying that followed the expiry of May Arabica options last Friday.
The May Arabica contract closed at 369.40 US cents (about sh13,532) per pound, registering a gain of 9.00 US cents (around sh329).
Similarly, the July contract climbed to 367.15 US cents (approximately sh13,448) per pound, an increase of 8.65 US cents (about sh316).
Uganda, one of Africa’s leading exporter of Robusta coffee, is likely to benefit from the upward trend in global prices, especially amid rising demand in key markets like the European Union, the Middle East, and Asia according to Dr. Michael Mugabira, a coffee farmer and industry analyst.
Trade Volumes and Export Leaders
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF), Robusta Screen 15 led in trade volumes with 6,970 bags, followed by Screen 12 at 5,589 and Screen 18 at 2,800 bags.
Uganda’s annual performance from March 2024 to February 2025 was equally impressive, with 6.57 million bags exported, earning $1.72 billion (sh6.287 trillion), a 6.99% rise in quantity and 70.71% jump in value compared to the previous year.
A majority (71%) of February’s export volume was handled by 10 major exporters among the 61 active firms, indicating a high concentration of export power driving performance.
Daily coffee market prices in US Cents Per Lb. – April/17/2025.
Screen 18- 260.06
Robusta – Screen 15- 255.06
Robusta – Screen 12 – 252.06
Arabica – Bugisu AA 364.40
Arabica – Bugisu A 363.40
Arabica – Bugisu PB 363.40
Arabica – Bugisu B 361.40
Arabica – Wugar 362.40
Arabica – Drugar 343.40
Note; Price (sh/kilo), Exchange rate (1 US$ =sh3,660)
Coffee farmgate price range in sh/kilo
