Top 10 Products imported by Ethiopia

Ethiopia has one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa, and as such, its import needs have grown considerably. If you are thinking about exporting to or importing into Ethiopia, therefore, it would be a great idea to know what the top 10 products imported by Ethiopia, so that you can strategize accordingly!

First, take a look at Ethiopia’s import statistics.

• Ethiopian imports account for 0.1% of global imports.
• Two-thirds of Ethiopian imports (66.9%) are sourced from Asian countries, some of whom are not trade partners of Ethiopia. Ethiopia’s trade partners supplied only 17% of total imports in 2017.
• The top 10 products imported by Ethiopia account for more than two-thirds (70.3%) of the overall value of products purchased from other countries.
• In 2017, the import value stood at US$ 14.7 billion. This figure translates to just about US$140 in yearly product from every individual in Ethiopia.
• The amount of cereals imported, specifically wheat, has been reducing steadily over the years. In contrast, the value of plastics and plastic articles imported has continued to rise steadily.

Next, have a look at the origins of products imported by Ethiopia.

• Top of the list is China, providing goods worth US$2.65 billion, 33% of the total imports.
• Next is France, exporting goods worth US$938 million to Ethiopia, making 12% of the total import value.
• Third comes India, exporting 8.6% of total Ethiopian imports, at a value of US$ 691 million.
• Germany comes next, exporting goods worth US$369 million to Ethiopia, 4.6% of total imports.
• After Germany comes Turkey, from whom goods worth US$337 million are imported into Ethiopia (4.2%).
• Other countries exporting goods to Ethiopia include the United Kingdom and Italy at 3.9% each, Hong Kong at 2.7%, with Belgium and the Netherlands at 2.3% each.

Here are the top 10 products imported by Ethiopia.

10. Pharmaceuticals

• Pharmaceutical imports are valued at US$ 536.1 million (3.6% of total imports.)

9. Vegetable/Animal fats, oils, and waxes:

• These are valued at US$ 539.9 million, constituting 3.7% of Ethiopia’s total imports.

8. Iron and steel products

• The value of these imports stands at US$569.5 million, or 3.9% of total imports.

7. Plastics and plastic articles

• These imports are valued at US$ 634.2 million, 4.3% of Ethiopia’s total imports. This is the fastest growing import product in Ethiopia.

6. Cereals

• The value of cereal imports stands at US$639.9 million, 4.4% of total imports. Though the amount and value of cereal imports appear to be reducing, Ethiopia still imports a significant amount every year.

5. Iron and Steel

• Because of the boom in the construction industry in Ethiopia, the demand for iron and steel has grown considerably. The value of iron and steel imports is US$799.3 million (5.4% of total imports.)

4. Mineral fuels, including oil

• The value of mineral fuel imports comes to US$ 1.2 billion, or 8.4% of total imports.

3. Electronic equipment and machinery

• Electronic equipment and machinery imports are currently valued at US$ 1.3 billion, coming to 8.8% of the total import value.

2. Vehicles

• The demand for vehicles has increased considerably due to the construction boom. As a result, vehicle imports now stand at US$ 1.4 billion, or 9.6% of total imports.

1. Machinery (including computers)

• As is expected, the construction boom has led to an increase in demand for heavy machinery and computers. Imports of these and other related items come to US$ 2.7 billion (18.1% of total imports into Ethiopia).

Now that you know what the top 10 products imported by Ethiopia are, you have a great idea on what you can bring into the country to make some money. Good luck!