Commerce throughout the East African Group (EAC) elevated within the first quarter of 2026, with complete commerce rising by 30.7 per cent to $46.3 billion, in comparison with the identical interval final yr.
Based on the EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin for January to March, launched on June 10, the expansion was pushed by robust export efficiency, continued restoration in regional financial exercise, and rising demand in worldwide markets.
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Export earnings elevated by 33.3 per cent, rising from $18.0 billion within the first quarter of 2025 to $24.0 billion in 2026. Imports additionally grew by 28.1 per cent from $17.4 billion to $22.4 billion.
“As export earnings grew at a quicker tempo than imports, the area’s commerce steadiness improved considerably, leading to a commerce surplus of $1.6 billion within the first quarter of 2026 in comparison with a surplus of $0.6 billion recorded in the identical interval in 2025,” the report says.
Africa remained the EAC’s largest buying and selling companion, accounting for twenty-four.1 per cent of complete EAC commerce with the world. Commerce between the regional bloc and African international locations elevated by 17.8 per cent, rising from $9.5 billion to $11.2 billion.
Throughout the continent, commerce with the Southern African Improvement Group (SADC) grew by 17.4 per cent to $7.0 billion. Nevertheless, commerce with the Frequent Marketplace for Jap and Southern Africa (COMESA) declined by 4.7 per cent to $4.3 billion.
Intra-EAC commerce additionally fell by 10.4 per cent to $4.7 billion, decreasing its share of complete EAC commerce with the world from 14.9 per cent in 2025 to 10.2 per cent in 2026.
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Past Africa, the report notes that commerce with different world blocs remained robust, with the Affiliation of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union recording constructive progress through the interval.
Mineral commodities remained the spine of the area’s exports. Copper accounted for 44.8 per cent of complete exports through the quarter, whereas exports of treasured metals and stones rose considerably to 21.6 per cent of complete export earnings, based on the report.
“Agricultural commodities reminiscent of espresso, tea, and spices continued to play an essential position in supporting export earnings,” the report provides.
On the import facet, petroleum merchandise remained the biggest class, accounting for 18.4 per cent of complete imports, pushed by sustained vitality demand and rising worldwide gas costs.
Imports of equipment, transport gear, industrial provides and manufactured items additionally contributed considerably to the import invoice. The report states that this displays ongoing industrialisation and infrastructure improvement efforts throughout the bloc.
China remained bloc’s largest buying and selling companion in exports and imports.
Exports to China rose from $5.9 billion in 2025 to $8.6 billion in 2026, largely pushed by mineral exports and different uncooked supplies. Imports from China additionally elevated, reaching $6.8 billion in comparison with $4.2 billion in the identical interval final yr.
Different key export locations included the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Africa, whereas main sources of imports included India, UAE, and Japan.
