Ethiopia Shifts Pulses & Oilseeds Trade to Payment-Only Model

04-Dec-2025 08:53 PM

Addis Ababa. The Ministry of Trade of Ethiopia has issued a guideline that significantly changes the system for exporting pulses and oilseeds from the country.

According to the new rule, all pulse and oilseed exporters will now be required to receive payments exclusively through the Ethiopian Commodity Exchange (ECX).

Previously, payments between exporters and suppliers were conducted through direct bank transfers, but this has now been discontinued, and payments will now be accepted exclusively through the ECX.

The Ministry of Trade states that this new guideline will enhance transparency in trade and help preserve foreign exchange earnings.

During the last fiscal year, Ethiopia earned $610 million from pulse and oilseed exports, representing 7.35 percent of its total export revenue of $8.30 billion.

According to the ministry, there was a possibility of tax evasion in the previous rules, whereas it will be difficult to do so in the new rules.