Dar es Salaam. Tanzania’s export earnings continue to rise, largely driven by gold and tourism, the country’s leading sources of foreign exchange.
However, despite the overall upward trend, manufactured exports recorded an unusual decline.
According to the latest data from the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), total exports of goods and services rose in the year ending April 2025.
Gold exports increased to $3.9 billion from $3.1 billion in 2024, while travel receipts—largely from tourism—reached $3.84 billion, up from $3.56 billion in the previous year.
In contrast, exports of manufactured goods dropped to $1.31 billion from $1.36 billion, highlighting a dip in performance even as most other sectors recorded gains.
“Exports of manufactured products declined due to a slowdown in the exports of fertilisers, cement, and ceramic products,” the Central Bank states in its latest Monthly Economic Review.
The report also showed encouraging growth in transport services, which generated $2.44 billion, and in agricultural exports, notably cashew nuts, which surged from $226.5 million in 2024 to $543.7 million in 2025.
Other key exports—including tobacco, coffee, cereals, and oil seeds—also registered year-on-year increases.
Overall, Tanzania’s export performance displayed resilience, with total exports reaching $9.74 billion in the year to April 2025, a significant rise from $7.81 billion in the previous year.
Goods exports alone accounted for 58.4 percent of the total, underlining the strength of the country’s trade position.
On the import side, goods and services were valued at $17.56 billion in the year ending April 2025, up from $16.11 billion a year earlier.
The rise was attributed mainly to growing demand for industrial transport equipment, supplies, and freight services.
The import figures reflect increased economic activity, with several sectors showing stronger demand for industrial inputs and capital goods.
Industrial supplies remained the largest import category, climbing to $4.86 billion in the year to April 2025 from $4.37 billion in the previous year.
Imports of refined white petroleum products saw a moderate decline to $2.57 billion, down from $2.68 billion, reflecting either improved energy efficiency or shifting consumption patterns.
Notably, investment in infrastructure and industrial capacity showed through stronger demand for machinery and transport equipment.
Imports of industrial transport equipment rose to $1.21 billion from $968.4 million, while machinery and mechanical appliances remained strong at $1.22 billion, up from $1.2 billion.
Transport-related costs also increased to $1.32 billion from $1.19 billion, which BoT attributed to higher international shipping costs or increased trade volumes.
