Top Export Destinations For Ugandan Goods Revealed

Are you planning to start exporting goods produced in Uganda and bring in the much needed foreign currency in the country?

These top 5 countries earning Uganda millions of dollars in exports will give you a snapshot on where to start from.

The list is derived from figures released by Bank of Uganda on September 6, 2017 and only considers countries earning Uganda above US$10m monthly in exports.

In total, Uganda exported formal goods worth US$270.87m in July 2017, up from US$277.63m in June 2017.

Annually, Uganda’s total exports amounted to US$2,921.25 in 2016, up from US$ 2,667.19m in 2015.

In comparison, Uganda spent US$4,325.66m (Shs15.5 trillion) on imports in 2016, down from US$4,955.39m (Shs17.8 trillion) in 2015.

BoU figures reveal that many countries earning millions of dollars in exports to Uganda import less from Uganda. For example, China and India are Uganda’s leading import destinations yet Uganda exports less to these countries.

The List

Kenya

Although Kenya’s market has been uncertain due to elections, East Africa’s largest economy remains the top consumer of goods produced in Uganda. In July, Uganda exported goods worth US$39.95m to Kenya, down from US$52.27m in June.

Annually, Ugandan goods exported to Kenya amounted to US$422.99m in 2016, slightly down from US$427.33m in 2015.

However, Kenya earns more from Uganda. In 2016, Uganda imported goods worth US$516.17m from Kenya, down from US$619.25m in2015.

UAE

United Arab Emirates (UAE) comes 2^nd in countries earning Uganda millions in exports. Uganda exported goods worth US$28.49m to UAE in July 2017, up from US$ 27.94m in June 2017.

Annually, Uganda exported goods amounting to US$485.13m to UAE in 2016, up US$205.82m in 2015.

UAE also earns some good money from Uganda. The Middle East country made US$349.43m in exports to Uganda in 2016, up from US$338.45m in 2015.

South Sudan

Despite South Sudan remaining a troubled country due to unending war and instability, the youngest country in Africa comes 3^rd in countries earning Uganda the highest foreign exchange.

In July, Uganda exported goods worth US$21.23m to South Sudan, up from US$19.68m in June. In 2016, Uganda’s exports to South Sudan were worth US$239.25m in 2016, down from US$265.26m in 2015.

Rwanda    

Uganda seems to be concentrating on the East African market. This is because Rwanda comes 4^th in top countries earning Uganda foreign exchange.

In July, Uganda exported goods worth US$16.10m to Rwanda, up from US$13.77m in June. In 2016, Uganda’s exports to Rwanda totaled US$193.98m in 2016, up from US$237.61m.

DRC

Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concludes the top five countries earning Uganda millions of dollars in exports.

In July 2017, Uganda exported goods amounting to US$14.69m to DRC, down from US$ 16.13m in June.  Annual exports to DRC amounted to US$177.66m in 2016, from US$152.05m in 2015.