The increase in trade between the seven EAC member countries is mainly explained by the continued elimination of non-tariff barriers, the harmonization of product standards and the admission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo to the regional bloc.

Trade between the member countries of the East African Community (EAC) reached a record of 10.9 billion dollars in 2022, as announced by the Secretary General of the organization, Peter Mathuki, on August 16.

This figure represents an increase of 12.1% compared to that recorded in 2021.

Speaking at a press conference, Mr Mathuki explained the increase in intra-regional trade due to the continued removal of non-tariff barriers, harmonization of product standards and the admission of the Democratic Republic of the Congo into the regional bloc in March 2022.

He also noted that trade between the bloc's member states has the potential to account for 40% of the region's total trade, compared to just 15% in 2022.

The East African Community, headquartered in Arusha, Tanzania, has seven members: Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan, Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This regional block, which covers an area of approximately 4.8 million km2, represents a market of 300 million consumers and has important natural resources.

The EAC is one of the most integrated regional economic communities in Africa. It is a customs union, where most goods and services are exchanged duty-free between member states and have a common tariff towards third countries. As a common market, people, goods, services and capital can move freely within it.

Article source: ecom news africa