The East African Community (EAC) experienced a strong trade rebound in the third quarter of 2025 after intra, bloc trade rose 15 per cent to $4. 8 billion, thanks to the continuous initiatives to facilitate cross, border movement, harmonise standards and reduce non, tariff barriers.
According to the latest report, the regional trade as a whole has substantially rebounded, with total EAC trade rising by 21. 9 per cent to $40. 3 billion in Q3 2025, compared to $33. 0 billion in the same period last year. International trade also registered a growth of 22 per cent during the quarter.
Trade within Africa has particularly improved, hitting $10. 1 billion and making up 32. 2 per cent of the blocs total trade. Exports, which grew by 32. 3 per cent to $19. 6 billion, had a more impressive growth than imports, which increased by only 13. 3 per cent to $20. 6 billion.
EACs key export destinations were China, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), South Africa, Hong Kong and Singapore, which combined accounted for 58 per cent of the total exports, up from 42. 7 per cent a year earlier.
Additionally, emerging markets such as Indonesia, Italy and Greece witnessed increased demand for the products from the bloc.
Still, the export basket of the region was very concentrated and was largely dominated by the base metals, precious stones and metals, mineral fuels, and traditional agricultural commodities such as coffee, tea and cut flowers.
On the other hand, petroleum products, machinery, vehicles, plastics, iron and steel, and cereals were the major items imported into the region. China was the top supplier, making up imports worth $5. 5 billion, followed by UAE, India, Japan, South Africa, and the United States.
The solid trade performance demonstrates the effect of regional integration efforts and the increasing global demand for the products of EAC.