Tanzania’s export earnings rose by 16% in 2025, supported by increased sales of agricultural commodities, minerals and manufactured goods, as the country expanded trade with European, regional and Asian markets.
Industry and Trade Minister Judith Kapinga told parliament that export revenues reached $10.08 billion in 2025, compared with $8.70 billion in the previous year. The increase was attributed to government measures aimed at improving the business environment, expanding access to foreign markets and strengthening the competitiveness of Tanzanian products.
Kapinga presented the figures while outlining the ministry’s 2026/27 budget proposals.
Key exports included sesame, tobacco, coffee, cotton, avocados, fish and minerals such as gold. Industrial products, including coal, tiles and iron sheets, also contributed to export performance.
Imports increased by 2.2% to $16.03 billion in 2025, from $15.68 billion in the previous year. The rise was driven largely by purchases of technology-related goods, vehicles, petroleum products, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery.
Tanzania’s exports to the European Union increased by 37.5% to $943.8 million, supported by rising demand for organic products and improved product standards.
Regional trade also strengthened. Exports to East African Community member states rose by 8.7% to $1.26 billion, while exports to Southern African Development Community countries increased by 19.4% to $3.55 billion.
Trade with Asian markets, including China, India and Japan, also expanded, with exports rising by 13.1% to $3.21 billion. This was driven by stronger demand for sesame, cocoa and avocados.
However, imports from Asian countries surged by 83% to $10.09 billion, reflecting increased demand for transport equipment, petroleum products, vehicles and railway materials.
Kapinga said Tanzania continued to benefit from China’s preferential trade arrangement, under which 98% of Tanzanian exports to China qualify for duty-free access.
