According to the World Trade Organization, trade represented 61.4% of Tanzania’s GDP from 2006-2008.  In 2008, merchandise exports totaled over $3 billion while merchandise imports totaled over $7 billion.  In 2008, commercial services exports totaled over $1.9 billion while commercial services imports totaled over $1.6 billion. 

Note:  The information in this snapshot can help identify trade factors that may impact investments in Tanzania.  For example, the higher the Trade-to-GDP ratio the greater sensitivity Tanzania’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 Tanzania’s economy and industries.

Major Imports and Exports

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

1. Pearls, precious stones, metals, coins, etc. (12.4%)
2. Fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and aquatic invertebrates (10.2%)
3. Coffee, tea, mate, and spices (8.4%)
4. Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes (7.3%)
5. Ores, slag, and ash (7%)

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

1. Boilers, machinery, nuclear reactors, etc. (12.6%)
2. Mineral fuels, oils, distillation products, etc. (12%)
3. Electrical and electronic equipment (10%)
4. Vehicles other than railway (9.4%)
5. Iron and steel (4.2%)

Major Trading Partners

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

1. India (8.1%)
2. Japan (6.5%)
3. China (6.3%)

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

1. China (14.4%)
2. India (9%)
3. South Africa (7.7%)

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

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