Progress Analysis

Exports drive external sector resilience

Tanzania’s export performance strengthened markedly in the period ending November, with exports of goods and services rising by 13.1% to USD 17.56 billion, up from USD 15.52 billion a year earlier. This growth was underpinned by strong global demand, improved commodity prices, and rising output in both traditional and non-traditional export segments.

• Goods exports increased to USD 10.17 billion, from USD 8.76 billion.

• Services receipts rose 9.3% to USD 7.39 billion, supported by tourism and transport.

• The current account deficit narrowed to USD 1.91 billion, from USD 2.69 billion.

Despite a modest rise in imports, mainly production inputs and machinery, the external sector position improved, signalling increased productive capacity and export competitiveness.

URT Progress Decode

What is driving the numbers?

Export Growth Drivers

• Gold exports surged 42.1% to a record USD 4.72 billion, driven by:

  • Higher global gold prices

  • Increased domestic production amid global uncertainty

• Manufactured goods, tobacco, cashew nuts, and coffee all recorded strong gains.

• Cereal exports (maize & rice) grew 15.1%, reflecting regional food demand.

Services Momentum

• Tourism receipts rose alongside a 9.9% increase in tourist arrivals (2.32 million visitors).

• Transport earnings jumped 37.3% to USD 2.77 billion, largely from freight and transit trade.

Import & Cost Dynamics

• Imports rose to USD 17.75 billion, driven by:

  • Industrial supplies

  • Machinery and transport equipment

• Oil imports declined 7.1%, easing pressure on the import bill.

• Higher freight payments increased services payments by 14.4%.

Progress Insight

Exports are no longer just commodities, they are stabilisers

This performance signals a structural shift in Tanzania’s external sector:

• Gold is acting as a macroeconomic shock absorber, boosting foreign exchange reserves during global uncertainty.

• Manufactured and agro-exports point to early dividends from industrialisation, value addition, and regional trade integration.

• Tourism and logistics confirm Tanzania’s growing role as:

  • A regional transport hub

  • A high-potential tourism destination

However, rising primary income outflows (profits and interest paid to non-residents) highlight the need to deepen local ownership, reinvestment, and domestic value retention.

A Call for Progress

From export growth to export transformation

To sustain and scale this momentum, Tanzania must:

• Accelerate value addition in mining, agriculture, and manufacturing

• Strengthen export financing and logistics efficiency

• Link tourism growth with local supply chains (food, transport, services)

• Promote domestic equity participation to reduce income outflows

• Align export expansion with FYDP III industrial and trade priorities

Export growth is strongest when it translates into jobs, skills, and domestic capital formation.