By Henry Kinyua
Kenya’s coffee exports remained strong in March 2026, with a total of 1.02 million kilograms of coffee shipped to international markets. Data from the AFA Coffee directorate for March exports shows that the United States remained Kenya’s single largest export destination by a significant margin, importing 521,177 kilograms of coffee, equivalent to 51 percent of all coffee exported during the month.
The American market also maintained solid pricing, averaging USD 452 per 50-Kg bag, underlining the continued strength of specialty and premium coffee demand in the U.S. market.
The second-largest destination was Germany, which imported 148,800 kilograms, representing 15 percent of total exports at an average price of USD 450 per 50-Kg bag. Germany continues to play a critical role as one of Europe’s major coffee trading and roasting hubs, serving both domestic consumption and re-export markets.
Japan emerged as the third-largest buyer with imports of 60,060 kilograms, accounting for 6 percent of the total export volume. Notably, Japan paid one of the strongest prices in the mainstream market, averaging USD 522 per 50-kg bag, reinforcing its reputation as a premium-quality market for Kenyan coffee.
Other notable destinations included the United Kingdom with 54,219 kilograms at USD 480 per bag, Australia with 53,520 kilograms at USD 403, and China, which imported 48,970 kilograms at an average price of USD 480 per bag. The growing presence of Asian markets continues to demonstrate Kenya’s expanding global coffee footprint beyond traditional European and American destinations.
One of the standout markets in terms of pricing was South Korea, officially listed as the Republic of Korea, which imported 39,000 kilograms at a remarkable average price of USD 651 per 50-kg bag, among the highest average prices among major-volume destinations. This highlights the increasing demand for high-end specialty Kenyan coffees in Asian markets.
Meanwhile, smaller niche markets posted even stronger prices. Somalia, despite importing only 1,830 kilograms, recorded the highest average price overall at an exceptional USD 735 per 50-Kg bag. Norway also maintained premium pricing levels at USD 521 per bag for 13,320 kilograms exported.
Overall, the March 2026 export data demonstrates three key trends in Kenya’s coffee trade. First, the United States remains the dominant market by volume. Second, premium Asian markets such as Japan and South Korea are increasingly rewarding quality with significantly higher prices. Third, Kenya continues to maintain a diversified export market structure spanning North America, Europe, Asia, and emerging regional markets.
