Nile Basin Countries’ exports reach $1.7B in a 7.3% increase: CAPMAS

Exports to Nile Basin countries increased by 7.3 percent to record $1.7 billion in 2022 compared to $1.6 billion the previous year. The value of imports from the Nile Basin countries increased by almost 75 percent to record $1.4 billion in 2022 up from the $0.7 billion recorded in 2021.

The Nile Basin countries, including Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Congo, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, Eritrea, and South Sudan, saw substantial growth in their economic exchanges.

Sudan emerged as the frontrunner in terms of exports, with a value of $929.2 million in 2022, up from $826.8 million in 2021, reflecting an increase of 12.4 percent. Fertilizers, plastics, and raw materials for the plastics industry were the primary items exported to the Nile Basin countries.

On the import side, Congo secured the top position, with imports valued at $524.5 million in 2022, compared to $110.9 million in 2021, signaling an increase of 373 increase. Wood and its products, along with wood charcoal and its products, constituted the major imports into Nile Basin countries.

Among the various sectors, the chemical and plastic products group emerged as the leading contributor to exports, with a value of $625.0 million in 2022, up from $475.4 million in 2021, showcasing an increase of 31.5 percent.

In terms of imports, the animal and vegetable products and beverages group claimed the top spot, with imports amounting to $674.1 million in 2022, compared to $604.6 million in 2021, indicating a noteworthy increase of 11.5 percent.

These positive developments in trade within the Nile Basin countries come on the heels of the Central Bank of Egypt's (CBE) report earlier in November.

The report revealed that international trade during the financial year 2022/2023 reached $110.407 billion, consisting of $70.783 billion in imports and $39.624 billion in exports.