EAC exports jump 38% as regional trade deficit narrows

ARUSHA, Tanzania — The East African Community closed 2025 with a significant surge in international trade, driven by a 37.7% jump in exports that helped drastically narrow the regional trade deficit.

Total exports reached $77 billion in the final quarter of the year, according to the latest Quarterly Statistics Bulletin. Imports grew at a slower rate of 15.4%, totaling $79.6 billion. This shift reduced the regional trade deficit to $2.5 billion, down from $13 billion in 2024.

Mineral commodities and agricultural output fueled the growth. Copper, gold and other precious metals from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Uganda remained leading exports due to high global demand in the manufacturing and energy sectors.

Coffee and tea continued to be primary exports for Uganda and Kenya, while the region saw additional growth in spices and horticultural products.

Oscar Kamukama, a representative for the East African Business Council governing council, said there are signs of gradual diversification into semi-processed and manufactured goods like cement and steel. He noted that while raw commodities still dominate, the shift indicates an emerging focus on value addition and industrialization.

Trade within the continent played a major role in the economic expansion. Total trade with African partners rose 40.1% to $39 billion. Intra-EAC trade specifically grew by 28% to $19.3 billion during the three-month period, supported by reduced trade barriers and improved infrastructure.

Robert Mukiza, director of the Uganda Investment Authority, said China remains the region’s largest trading partner. Other key partners include the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, India, Japan and the U.S.

Regional imports were primarily composed of machinery, energy products and manufactured goods.