EAC Merchandise Trade Hits $42.4 Billion in Q4 2025 Amid Export Surge

The East African Community (EAC) recorded a strong performance in international merchandise trade during October to December 2025, totaling $42.4 billion (approximately Shs156 trillion). This marked continued yearly growth, as detailed in the latest EAC Quarterly Statistics Bulletin.

Exports jumped 37.7% to $77.0 billion (Shs284 trillion), surpassing a 15.4% rise in imports to $79.6 billion (Shs294 trillion). The trade deficit shrank sharply to $2.5 billion (Shs9.2 trillion) from $13.0 billion the previous year.

Intra-African trade climbed 40.1% to $39 billion (Shs144 trillion), representing 25.2% of total trade, while intra-EAC trade grew 28.0% to $19.3 billion (Shs71 trillion). Key exports included minerals like copper, precious metals, and agricultural goods such as coffee and tea.

China led as the top trading partner, followed by the UAE, South Africa, India, Japan, and the US. Imports focused on energy, machinery, and manufactured products to bolster industry and infrastructure.

Inflation eased, with headline inflation at 13.3% in December 2025 per the EAC Harmonised Consumer Price Index, down from 15.2% in November and much lower than 27.1% a year prior. Core inflation fell to 9.6%.

Monetary trends showed broad money supply (M3) growth slowing to 14.7% year-on-year, driven by 12.6% private sector credit expansion and 20.4% rise in net foreign assets. Most partner states saw declining Treasury bill and lending rates, except Rwanda and Uganda.

These developments signal a resilient EAC economy advancing toward sustainable growth and deeper integration.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)