EAC posts Sh38.9 billion trade surplus in Q2 2026 as exports surge

The East African Community recorded a Sh38.9 billion trade surplus in the second quarter of 2026, driven by a 41.3% jump in exports and a 37% rise in total trade.

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The East African Community’s external trade expanded by 37% in the April‑June 2026 quarter, moving the bloc from a deficit to a surplus.

Total trade reached $52.3 billion (Sh6.78 trillion), up from $38.2 billion (Sh4.95 trillion) a year earlier.

Exports rose 41.3% to $26.3 billion (Sh3.41 trillion), while imports grew 32.9% to $26 billion (Sh3.37 trillion).

The export surge generated a $0.3 billion (Sh38.9 billion) trade surplus, reversing a $1 billion (Sh129.6 billion) deficit recorded in the same quarter of 2025.

Regional trade patterns and key partners

Intra‑EAC trade grew by nearly one‑third to $3.2 billion (Sh414.8 billion), though its share of total exports fell slightly to 12.1% from 12.8%.

Exports to African markets accounted for 27.5% of total sales, with a 44.3% rise to $7.2 billion (Sh933.3 billion), notably a 50.8% jump in shipments to the Southern African Development Community.

Trade with COMESA also expanded, rising 48.3% to $3.1 billion (Sh401.8 billion), underscoring growing links between the EAC and other African blocs.

Sectoral composition of trade

Minerals, especially copper and precious metals, continued to dominate exports, representing 61.9% of total sales, up from 58.7% a year earlier.

Agricultural products such as coffee, tea and spices remained important, while petroleum products accounted for the largest share of imports at 25.8%, up from 20.9%.

China stayed the top trading partner, with EAC exports to China nearly doubling to $10.7 billion (Sh1.39 trillion) and imports rising to $7.1 billion (Sh920.5 billion).