Ethiopia’s Oilseed Export: Performance, Opportunities, and Challenges

Abstract

This study examines the trends in Ethiopian oilseed exports and the challenges and opportunities related to export performance. It analyzes export earnings, volume, export share, and destinations over the past decade. The study uses both qualitative and quantitative approaches, collecting data from primary and secondary sources, including interviews, focus group discussions, and export data from the Ethiopian Customs Commission. Descriptive and explanatory analyses are conducted to gain insights into global trade and export dynamics. The findings reveal that Ethiopia's oilseed industry is an important source of foreign exchange earnings. However, export earnings have declined from $323.5 million in 2010/11 to $263.8 million in 2021/22 due to falling prices since 2015/16. Similarly, the oilseed export share has decreased from 19.7% in 2013/14 to 6.6% in 2021/22. The market is sensitive to price fluctuations, requiring exporters to closely monitor factors and adjust pricing strategies. Additionally, the industry heavily relies on China, which poses risks due to changes in demand or trade policies. To enhance competitiveness and sustainability, it is crucial to address challenges related to logistics, high local prices, regulatory compliance, and quality control. By tackling these issues, improvements can be made in the performance of oilseed exports in Ethiopia.