Xifres de comerç exterior de Tanzània

Foreign Trade in Figures

Tanzania is relatively open to foreign trade, with trade accounting for 35% of its GDP according to the World Bank's latest data available. The country's trade policy aims to create competitive local industries and diversify its export sector to stimulate economic growth. Tanzania is a member of several regional and international trade agreements, including the East African Community (EAC), the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA), and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The country has also implemented measures to facilitate international trade, including the single window system for trade documentation and the establishment of trade facilitation committees. In 2022, gold was the leading export item, constituting 41.5% of the total, followed by coconuts (3.4%), copper ores (2.8%), and vegetables (2.7%). On the import side, petroleum oils (23.3%), tractors (2.5%), and medicaments (2.3%) were among the top imports, as per Comtrade data.

According to Comtrade data, China (25.2%), the United Arab Emirates (15.9%), India (12.5%), Saudi Arabia (3.9%), and South Africa (3.5%) were Tanzania's main suppliers in 2022. In the same year, India (17.3%), South Africa (13.6%), the United Arab Emirates (11.2%), Kenya (5.6%), and Switzerland (5.3%) were the primary export destinations. Tanzania maintains low customs duties (with a trade-weighted tariff rate of 8.9%) and few trade restrictions, making it accessible for international trade. However, trade barriers, mainly logistical and non-tariff in nature, persist. For instance, congestion at the Dar es Salaam port, the main entry and exit point for merchandise, presents a significant challenge due to inadequate infrastructural investments. Poorly maintained roads and railways further hinder trade, despite government initiatives to improve infrastructure. Challenges also exist in obtaining construction permits, registering land, and tax payments.

Tanzania faces a chronic trade deficit due to a capital-intensive growth model that relies heavily on oil and capital goods imports. In 2022, merchandise exports amounted to USD 6.8 billion, while imports reached USD 14.2 billion, resulting in a trade deficit. Service exports reached USD 4.7 billion, with imports at USD 2.4 billion. The World Bank estimated the country's trade deficit at 4.2% of GDP in 2022. Data from the Bank of Tanzania indicate a 16.6% increase in the export of goods and services to USD 13,976 million in 2023, driven primarily by tourism receipts, gold, and traditional exports. Non-traditional goods exports grew by 4.3% to USD 6,320.4 million, with significant growth in gold exports. Service receipts increased due to growth in travel and transport receipts. Imports of goods and services decreased in 2023, mainly attributed to a decline in the import bill for white petroleum products.