China Opens a Longer Export Window for Ethiopian Farm Products

July 25, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Ethiopian agricultural exporters seeking access to China’s market will now benefit from a registration system that can remain valid for five years, as authorities move to formalise a trade channel that previously depended largely on individual commercial interests. More than 2,600 companies registered between the 2025 and 2026 to export products including sesame, coffee, fruits and other agricultural commodities to China, according to the Ethiopian Agricultural Authority.

The authority said the expansion of exports to China has increased the need for a more organised system. Speaking to Ahadu Radio, Wondala Habtamu (PhD), deputy director-general of the authority, said Ethiopia’s previous approach was not based on a unified framework, but largely followed exporters’ market interests. China’s export approval system differs from that of many other markets, where export permits are often granted for six months or one year. Once approved under China’s system, exporters can retain their registration for five years, Wondala said.

The authority is also digitising export procedures as part of efforts to improve the process for businesses seeking access to overseas markets. Wondala said the volume of agricultural products shipped to China has grown significantly and that digital systems were being introduced to support the changing trade environment. Ethiopian agricultural exports are required to comply with international standards, with plant product trade procedures governed by a framework containing 47 provisions, according to the authority.

Source: FSX Business News