Data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) shows that the deficit in merchandise trade grew 17.4 percent to Sh437.03 billion in the January-March period from Sh372.12 billion in the...
Kenya's goods trade deficit expanded 17.4% to Sh437 billion in Q1 2026 as imports of industrial materials, fuel, and food surged 14.4%, outpacing export growth of 10.3% despite record earnings of Sh303.8 billion. Persistent reliance on raw commodity exports constrains foreign exchange reserves and fiscal capacity for digital infrastructure, pressuring East Africa's ability to fund tech sector growth and macroeconomic stability.
By
Constant Munda
Correspondent
Nation Media Group
Kenya's goods trade deficit widened at a double-digit rate in the first three months of 2026 on increased imports of industrial materials, food and fuel that outpaced record export earnings, highlighting growing reliance on foreign supplies and increasing pressure on foreign exchange earnings.
Kenya’s food import bill hit a record Sh81.6 billion as drought deepened reliance on imported food.
The trade deficit hit an all-time high in April of about US$10 billion, as imports surged 45% year-on-year to $41.6 billion,…
Nigeria's trade surplus surged by 341% to N7.55tn in Q1 2026, driven by increased exports and reduced imports. Discover key…
India's trade deficit widened to $28.38 billion in April as imports surged, raising concerns over inflation and economic growth.
The goods trade gap narrowed 3.4% to $82.4 billion last month, the Commerce Department's Census Bureau said on Friday.…
Nigeria’s trade surplus grew by 340.88 percent quarter-on-quarter (QoQ) to N7.55 trillion in the first quarter of 2026 (Q1’26)…
Trade surplus jumps 341% to N7.55tn – NBS
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