Uganda’s Exports and Imports Post Strong Growth in July 2025

Uganda’s economy registered a strong trade performance in July 2025, with both exports and imports recording significant growth compared to the same period last year, according to the Performance of the Economy Report for August 2025 released by the Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development.

Merchandise exports grew by 53.6%, rising from USD 812.69 million in July 2024 to USD 1,248.12 million in July 2025. The increase was largely driven by higher earnings from coffee, gold, sugar, base metals and their products, crude oil, fruits, and vegetables. Coffee and gold in particular continue to be Uganda’s leading foreign exchange earners.

On the other hand, merchandise imports also rose sharply by 47.3%, reaching USD 1,544.94 million in July 2025, up from USD 1,049.08 million in July 2024. The surge was mainly due to higher formal private sector imports of both oil and non-oil products, alongside a slight rise in project-related government imports.

The Ministry noted that the strong performance of exports highlights Uganda’s growing competitiveness in regional and global markets, while the increase in imports reflects heightened private sector demand and inputs required to sustain economic activity.