Tanzania targets 47pc export growth to Russia

DAR ES SALAAM: TANZANIA’S exports to Russia have surged more than 315 per cent between 2021 and 2025, reflecting a rapid expansion in trade flows between the two markets.

However, the country still has an untapped export opportunity worth about 14 million US dollars, according to a new market intelligence report by the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade).

The report, released on May 26, 2026, shows that despite improving trade relations between the two countries, Tanzania has yet to fully meet rising demand in the Russian market for several agricultural and high-value products.

Trade data from TanTrade indicate that Tanzania’s exports to Russia rose sharply from 7.1 million US dollars in 2021 to 29.5 million US dollars in 2025, driven largely by increased shipments of tobacco, coffee and tea.

Despite the growth, Tanzania continues to face a significant trade imbalance with Russia. Imports from Russia reached 253.4 million US dollars last year compared to exports worth 29.5 million US dollars, resulting in a trade deficit of 223.9 million US dollars.

The trade gap was even wider in 2023, when Tanzania recorded a negative trade balance of 378.4 million US dollars.

TanTrade Director General Dr Latifa Khamis said recently Russia presents significant opportunities for Tanzanian exporters, particularly in coffee, avocados, cocoa beans, flowers, cloves and cashew nuts.

“The report identifies products where Tanzania has competitive advantages but has not fully utilised the available opportunities in the Russian market.

Exporters should take advantage of the increasing demand,” said Dr Khamis. Dr Khamis said improving product quality, increasing value addition and strengthening compliance with international standards would be critical for Tanzania to secure a larger share of the Russian market. She said TanTrade would continue supporting exporters through trade promotion initiatives, market intelligence services and business linkage programmes aimed at improving Tanzania’s export competitiveness.

According to the report, coffee remains the leading Tanzanian export with the highest untapped market potential in Russia, estimated at 3.8 million US dollars between 2026 and 2030.

Avocados rank second, with export opportunities valued at 1.8 million US dollars as Russian consumers increasingly shift towards fresh fruits and healthy food products.

Other products with strong export prospects include cocoa beans valued at 188,000 US dollars, flowers at 182,000 US dollars, cloves at 182,000 US dollars and cashew nuts at 102,000 US dollars.

The report also identifies meat, fruits and horticultural products as emerging sectors with growing demand in Russia, creating additional opportunities for Tanzanian exporters seeking to diversify into non-traditional markets.

The Director said Russia is becoming an increasingly important alternative destination for Tanzanian exports as businesses seek to diversify beyond traditional markets in Europe and Asia.

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She further noted that Tanzania’s long-term success in the Russian market will depend on improvements in logistics infrastructure, processing industries and awareness among local producers about emerging international market opportunities.

“We are continuing to raise awareness among businesses about the vast opportunities available in foreign markets and support them in expanding their exports,” she said.