Kenya, Ethiopia, DRC lead East Africa’s stunning export surge amid global economic uncertainty
Data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) shows Kenya’s tea exports hit a record $1.7 billion (Sh219.6 billion), up from $1.4 billion (Sh180.8 billion) the previous year.
Kenya and other East African countries are defying global trade headwinds, recording strong export growth even after the United States introduced broad tariffs in April 2025.
Data from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) shows Kenya’s tea exports hit a record $1.7 billion (Sh219.6 billion), up from $1.4 billion (Sh180.8 billion) the previous year.
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Over the same period, Kenya’s exports to the United States rose by 22 per cent, underscoring the country’s resilience in a shifting global market.
Between April and July 2025, exports from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to the US increased by more than $1 billion (Sh129.4 billion) compared to the same period in 2024, while Ethiopia’s shipments grew by 95 per cent.
Experts attribute these gains partly to trade diversion, as major exporters such as China faced higher tariffs of 30 per cent, compared with just 10 per cent for Kenya and Ethiopia. China’s exports to the US fell by 35.6 per cent over the same period, giving East African countries a competitive edge.
Regional trade
UNECA also reports that regional trade is strengthening. In 2025, total trade within the East African Community (EAC) surpassed $11 billion (Sh1.4 trillion), a 22 per cent jump from the previous year.
Intra-African trade grew by 8.5 per cent, outpacing exports outside the continent. Agricultural produce and manufactured goods—including textiles, chemicals, cement, and pharmaceuticals—were the main drivers of this growth.
Rising global commodity prices further boosted exports. Gold prices climbed more than 60 per cent between January 2024 and July 2025, while coffee prices nearly doubled. Tanzania and Uganda benefited from higher gold shipments, with Uganda also gaining from exports of coffee, tea, fish, and flowers.
Despite the positive trend, UNECA warns that structural weaknesses persist. Minerals now account for more than half of the region’s exports, while manufacturing has shrunk to less than one-fifth.
To address this, governments are rolling out major infrastructure projects and trade reforms. Kenya is implementing Phase II of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, Tanzania has expanded Tanga Port and opened new agricultural corridors, and Uganda has eliminated non-tariff barriers with Kenya. Rwanda is constructing Rusizi Port, while Ethiopia is upgrading the Moyale border post and expanding its network of industrial parks.
"As the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) remains uncertain, Eastern Africa must prepare for a post-AGOA landscape by diversifying export markets and strengthening intra-African trade," said ECA in a statement.
"The region's recent performance offers a blueprint for resilience, but long-term competitiveness will depend on reducing reliance on commodities, revitalising manufacturing, and deepening regional integration."
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