Gold exports strengthen forex earnings
DAR ES SALAAM: GOLD exports strengthened foreign exchange earnings, rising to 5,625.0 million US dollars in the year ending September from 4,321.5 million US dollars in the corresponding period last year, cementing the mineral’s position as the country’s leading export earners.
According to the latest Bank of Tanzania Monthly Economic Review, gold recorded the highest value among selected exports of goods and services, ahead of travel receipts, which reached 4,389.7 million US dollars, compared with 4,314.7 million US dollars in 2025.
The increase in gold export earnings highlights the mineral’s contribution to foreign exchange inflows and its importance to Tanzania’s external trade performance.
Transportation services also recorded growth, with earnings rising to 3,303.3 million US dollars from 2,612.5 million US dollars last year.
The increase highlights the contribution of transport services to export earnings as Tanzania continues to facilitate the movement of goods and people within the region.
Manufactured goods recorded another notable improvement, with export earnings increasing to 2,213.4 million US dollars from 1,533.9 million US dollars in 2025.
The growth in manufactured goods exports points to the importance of expanding domestic production and value addition to strengthen Tanzania’s export base.
Among other commodities, tobacco earnings increased to 570.2 million US dollars from 436.3 million US dollars, while fish and fish products rose to 181.6 million US dollars from 163.1 million US dollars. However, several agricultural exports recorded declines during the period under review.
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Cashew nut earnings fell to 369.2 million US dollars from 527.6 million US dollars in 2025. Edible vegetables generated 295.9 million US dollars, down from 328.1 million US dollars, while coffee earnings declined to 269.3 million US dollars from 324.6 million US dollars.
Oil seed exports also decreased to 209.2 million US dollars from 282.6 million US dollars, while cereal earnings dropped to 189.8 million US dollars from 355.5 million US dollars.
The contrasting performance among export categories highlights the importance of strengthening sectors that are recording growth while addressing challenges affecting traditional agricultural commodities.
For gold, sustained export performance remains important in generating foreign exchange and supporting the country’s external position.
The mineral’s leading contribution also underlines the significance of the mining sector in Tanzania’s broader economic development.
Meanwhile, improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity and strengthening access to international markets could help reverse declines in some traditional exports.
