Ethiopia-Russia Trade Ties Deepen as Russia Backs WTO Bid
Recent high-level discussions between Russia and Ethiopia have underscored a deepening economic partnership, with a focus on boosting trade and supporting Ethiopia's long-standing goal of joining the World Trade Organization (WTO).
A Surge in Bilateral Trade 📊
The relationship is showing impressive growth, with both countries reporting a significant increase in trade.
- Trade Boom: In the first half of 2025, trade between Russia and Ethiopia saw a remarkable 2.2-fold increase, reaching a total of $191.2 million.
- Coffee is King: This surge was largely driven by a significant rise in Russian imports of coffee, highlighting Ethiopia's strength in this key export commodity.
Strategic Support for WTO AccessionÂ
Russia has committed to providing technical and advisory assistance for Ethiopia's WTO accession process. This is a crucial step for Ethiopia, which has been in negotiations to join the organization since 2003.
- Renewed Momentum: The support from Russia adds to the momentum of Ethiopia's WTO bid. Ethiopian officials have recently reaffirmed their commitment to the process, with a target of finalizing negotiations by the WTO Ministerial Conference in March 2026.
Expanding Future Opportunities
Looking ahead, both nations are actively working to expand their trade relationship beyond current levels.
- Upcoming Business Forum: A bilateral business forum is scheduled to be held alongside the intergovernmental commission meeting in November. This event is designed to create direct connections between businesses from both countries.
- Key Goods: Russia is keen to increase its exports to Ethiopia, with a particular focus on essential goods like grain, fertilizers, and agricultural machinery. In return, Ethiopian companies will have the opportunity to showcase their potential and secure new markets.
#Ethiopia #Russia #Trade #WTO #EconomicGrowth #ForeignRelations #Africa #Coffee #Business #GlobalTrade