According to the World Trade Organization, trade represented 100.8% of Eritrea's GDP from 2006-2008.  In 2008, merchandise exports totaled $17 million while merchandise imports totaled $530 million.  Also in 2008, commercial services exports totaled $118 million while commercial services imports totaled $25 million. 

Note:  The information in this snapshot can help identify trade factors that may impact investments in Eritrea.  For example, the higher the Trade-to-GDP ratio the greater sensitivity Eritrea's economy might have to global economic, trade, and financial fluctuations. Also, changes in economies or industries of key trading partners may trigger changes in Eritrea's economy and industries.

Major Imports and Exports

According to the International Trade Centre, the top five export categories for Eritrea in 2008, along with percentage of total exports, were:

1. Vehicles other than railway (26.9%)
2. Raw hides, skins, and leather - not fur skins (10.8%)
3. Oil seed, oleagic fruits, grain, seed, fruit, etc. (7.8%)
4. Articles of apparel and accessories neither knit nor crochet (7.3%)
5. Arms and ammunition, parts, and accessories (6.2%)

According to the International Trade Centre, the top five import categories for Eriteria in 2008, along with percentage of total imports, were:

1. Boilers, machinery, nuclear reactors, etc. (13.8%)
2. Electrical and electronic equipment (11.1%)
3. Sugars and sugar confectionery (7.8%)
4. Cereals (7.4%)
5. Vehicles other than railway (4.4%)

Major Trading Partners

The top three countries to which Eritrea exports merchandise, along with percentage of exports, are:

1. Italy (25.4%)
2. Sudan (17.2%)
3. China (15.8%)

The top three countries which import merchandise to Eritrea, along with percentage of imports, are:

1. India (28.5%)
2. Saudi Arabia (17.8%)
3. Italy (10.9%)

Sources:  World Trade Organization, International Trade Centre, and The World Factbook

Note: Information on this website has been prepared as general information on matters of interest only, and does not constitute professional advice. No representation or warranty (express or implied) is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the information on the website.

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