DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania – The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surpassed Kenya and Uganda as Tanzania’s primary export destination, marking a significant shift in the country’s trade landscape. This development is largely attributed to the recent expansion of the East African Community (EAC) and ongoing trade tensions between Tanzania and its traditional export markets.
According to the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), the share of Tanzania’s exports to the DRC has risen to 4.4 percent in the last three fiscal years, while exports to Kenya and Uganda have declined. This trend can be traced back to the DRC’s and Somalia’s entry into the EAC in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
While Tanzania’s trade with China, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains substantial, the DRC’s growing importance as an export market underscores the country’s expanding economic influence within the region.
However, trade frictions within the EAC, particularly over tariffs and non-tariff barriers (NTBs), continue to hinder intra-regional trade. The member states are currently working to address these issues through harmonizing levies and fees in key sectors such as transport and agriculture.
Despite challenges, Tanzania’s exports to the EAC region have increased, driven primarily by non-traditional products like minerals. However, the country’s trade surplus with the region has declined, indicating a growing import dependence.
