The East African Community (EAC) recorded a strong rebound in trade in the second quarter of 2025 (April-June), supported by higher export earnings and a rise in intra-African commerce, according to the latest EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin.
- •Total trade increased 28.4% to US$38.2 billion in Q2 2025, up from US$29.7 billion a year earlier, driven primarily by stronger export performance.
- •Exports grew 40.5% to US$18.6 billion, while imports rose 18.8% to US$19.6 billion.
- •The report attributes the export momentum to mineral fuels, coffee and tea, precious stones, base metals, and cut flowers, which together made up nearly 80% of the region’s export earnings in the quarter.
China, UAE and South Africa Drive Trade Links
China, the United Arab Emirates, and South Africa accounted for 55% of the EAC’s total trade during the quarter. China remained the leading supplier, with EAC imports from China rising from US$3.6 billion to US$4.7 billion. The UAE, India, South Africa and Japan also grew their market shares, collectively accounting for more than half of the region’s import bill.
Imports were dominated by, Petroleum products, Machinery, Vehicles, Plastics, Iron and steel inputs
Intra-African Trade Strengthens
Trade within Africa expanded sharply, rising from US$6.5 billion to US$9.3 billion, representing 42.9% of total EAC trade. Intra-EAC trade alone increased to US$4.6 billion, up from US$3.7 billion, reflecting greater cross-border flows in manufactured goods, food staples, and consumer products.
COMESA and SADC remained key trading blocs, contributing 9.9% and 15.2% of the total trade respectively.
Inflation Pressures Persist
Despite improving trade dynamics, price pressures remain elevated across the region. EAC headline inflation stood at 22.7% in June 2025, driven mainly by food and non-food consumer goods.
Food inflation, in particular, remained high at 37.5%, reflecting supply chain disruptions and weather-linked harvest variances.
