There has been some unrest in Ethiopia since Monday night, we thought it would be of interest to write a few lines on these events. BACKGROUND Hachalu Hundessa, a 34 year Oromo Activist and Musician was murdered on Monday evening; He was known as a defender of the rights of the Oromo people, he counted […]
In the past few days, we have discussed with a few of our customers their quality concerns for more commercial qualities such as Lekempti, Djimmah and Sidamo and the increasing stocks at a destination of low quality coffee rejected by roasters; Indeed the current crop quality is disappointing, the quality of Commercial Natural grades such […]
COVID continues to spread in Addis and the number of recorded cases is increasing, now over 4,000 cases and sadly 72 deaths. Some shippers are complaining of canceled and postponed shipments of better quality coffees as a consequence of the restrictions imposed in recent months in consuming countries. Meanwhile, everyone (except shippers) is complaining about […]
There are in Ethiopia increased fears that Covid 19 will have a very negative impact on the economy pushing millions of people into poverty. Meanwhile, the cases and deaths are increasing in Addis and there is heightened fear around the city. The government has stated that things will most likely get worse before they get […]
We have received some data regarding shipments for the 10 month period up to the beginning of May 2020, which makes for interesting reading. Total exports reached 219 K MT (173 K MT same period 18/19) so 27% up on the previous year. If shipments continue at this pace in May and June, the 12 […]
The pandemic seemingly remains under control in Ethiopia, the focus on tackling the virus is concentrated in a few hotspots in Addis. The Ethiopian economy is also slowing down, construction appears to be adversely affected as well as other drivers for the previous price disparity between ECX prices and FOB prices. Coffee shippers heavily invested […]
Turbulent times for the government, internally many political groups are unhappy with a potential delay to the elections due to Covid 19; on the external front Sudan and Egypt have both voiced their discontent with the recent statement put out by the administration that the Nile damn will start to be filled in a few […]
A quick update on the pandemic in Ethiopia, where confirmed cases has risen to 191, the focus seems to be on the borders with Somalia and Djibouti where the virus appears to be more widespread. It is difficult to say if the relatively small numbers of confirmed cases is because the virus is being kept […]
Anther slow week on every front. Preparing coffee for shipment is slow or slower than usual! Enquiries from overseas are few and far between as our buyers assess the longer terms of the pandemic on their future needs. Meanwhile at the ECX prices increased this week as shippers cover shorts established before the recent drop […]
We continue to struggle with all stakeholders and service providers, much of the frustrations we are experiencing are a result of measures put in place to manage the pandemic that we are all living through. So more delays this week in getting coffee processed, samples approved and the coffee shipped. Logistics which have always been […]
