EAC trade report 2011

Abstract

This is the seventh EAC Trade Report since 2005. The EAC Trade Report 2005 set the pace in analysing the trade flows of EAC as a unified trade entity. Over the period the analysis has improved in quality. The 2011 trade flows reflect continued growth of intra-EAC trade. The Intra EAC trade in 2011 amounted US$ 4,485.9 Millions compared to US$ 3,722.9 Millions in 2010 representing a 20.5 percent increase. The increase was attributed to increase of both imports and exports within the bloc that went up by 23.7 percent and 18.2 percent, respectively. The share of intra EAC trade among the Partner States remained almost the same with Kenya continuing to dominate, accounting for about 41 percent of total intra-trade. Moreover, during the period, only Burundi recorded an increase in its share to 4.2 percent from 2.6 percent of the total intra EAC trade in 2010.

The report further manifests a commitment of Partner States in the implementation of the Customs Union particularly the uniform application of the customs instruments. In addition, the report is a tool which will enable EAC to model and shape its trade policy with other regions. The ongoing Free Trade Area negotiations between EAC, COMESA and SADC is expected be informed by the information provided in this report and previous trade reports.

Statistical data is a pivotal factor in all the integration stages of the EAC and becomes increasingly pertinent as we continue the implementation EAC Common market whose implemtentation started on 1st July 2009 and as the region moves towards finalisation of negotiations of the Monetary Union Protocol. Under the Customs Union, production and exchange of customs and trade statistics and information is one of the areas of co-operation and the EAC Customs Management Act provides for the compilation and dissemination of such statistics.