Why is coffee important to Burundi’s economy?

Coffee is vital to Burundi’s economy because it serves as the country’s principal export crop and its primary source of foreign exchange. As a major commodity, it plays a critical role in a national economy that is heavily reliant on agriculture.12

While Burundi also exports goods such as tea, sugar, and cotton, coffee remains a cornerstone of its trade profile. The importance of the sector is underscored by the country's ongoing struggle with trade deficits, where export earnings—heavily influenced by the international price of coffee—often cover less than half the cost of imports. Despite historical challenges, including production declines during periods of civil strife in the 1990s, the industry has demonstrated resilience by rebounding to maintain its status as a key economic pillar.123