Tanzania’s export profile continues to reflect both stability and gradual diversification, with traditional markets maintaining dominance even as newer destinations steadily expand.
At the centre of this trade network remains South Africa, which has once again retained its position as Tanzania’s leading export destination, reinforcing strong regional economic ties within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
According to the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) report titled Top 20 Tanzanian Export Products (2022–2024), South Africa accounted for 26.3% of Tanzania’s total exports. Exports to South Africa, valued at approximately US$2.29 million, were largely driven by gold, tobacco, and cotton T-shirts and vests — a pattern consistent in recent years.
The continued dominance of South Africa highlights the resilience of intra-African trade flows, supported by tariff preferences, geographic proximity and regional integration frameworks.
India and UAE strengthen mineral and agricultural trade
India ranked second among Tanzania’s export destinations, importing goods worth approximately US$1.64 million, primarily gold, cashew nuts and pigeon peas. Strong demand for agricultural commodities, particularly cashews, continues to anchor Tanzania’s trade links with Asian markets.
The United Arab Emirates emerged as the third-largest importer, with shipments valued at US$625,152, dominated by gold and tobacco, alongside fresh or chilled lamb. Gold exports to the UAE underscore Tanzania’s reliance on mineral exports to Middle Eastern markets.
Latifa Khamis, Director General of TanTrade, noted that while export volumes are rising, Tanzania must prioritise local processing and manufacturing to increase value addition and reduce dependence on imports of finished goods.
She added that Tanzania will continue deepening access within SADC and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), while expanding into new destinations to reduce overreliance on a limited number of partners.
China and regional markets remain strategic
China ranked fourth, importing sesame seeds, copper ore and fish worth US$442,964. However, exports remain concentrated in raw and semi-processed products, reflecting limited domestic value addition.
Within East Africa, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia and Burundi featured prominently among Tanzania’s top 20 export markets. Regional trade remains resilient, supported by integration under the East African Community (EAC) and AfCFTA frameworks.
Kenya imported goods worth US$320,868, mainly rice, maize and coal, while Uganda imported US$291,023, led by rice and petroleum-related products.
Economist Kitojo Wetengera emphasised that scaling production is critical if Tanzania is to fully leverage African demand.
“Africa is a big market, but can we satisfy our own product demand and produce surplus to sell?” he asked, stressing that sustainable trade expansion requires surplus production capacity.
Europe and global markets
European markets — including Belgium, Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland — continued importing coffee, tobacco, cocoa beans and avocados. Switzerland alone imported US$269,528, largely in gold, reflecting its long-standing role as a global precious metals hub.
Beyond Europe, the United States, Japan and Indonesia featured among Tanzania’s overseas markets, importing coffee, textiles, fish products and groundnuts.
Other notable destinations included Vietnam and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), each importing more than US$300,000. Vietnam’s imports were driven by cashew nuts, tobacco and cotton, while the DRC sourced cigarettes, water and wheat flour — reflecting Tanzania’s dual role as both an agricultural exporter and a regional supplier of manufactured consumer goods.