Uganda reclaimed its status as Kenya's primary export market in 2018, securing Sh61.9 billion in goods compared to Pakistan's Sh59.39 billion, as revealed in Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) data analyzed in a 2019 report.
The shift marked Uganda's recovery from a two-year decline, with exports to the East African nation rising 0.07% from 2017 levels. Pakistan's share fell as Kampala developed local manufacturing capabilities, reducing demand for Kenyan cement, steel, and medicines.
Kenya's tea exports declined 5.71% to Sh138.84 billion in 2018 after a 2017 peak, while horticultural products like cut flowers grew 11.48% to Sh105.66 billion. The U.S. remained third-largest buyer with Sh47.34 billion, and the Netherlands saw 5.63% growth to Sh46.36 billion.
The trade deficit widened to Sh1.145 trillion in 2018, with exports rising 3.16% to Sh612.88 billion against imports increasing 1.88% to Sh1.76 trillion, according to CBK records.
