Eritrea: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

After the end of the war with Ethiopia in 2002, the government has tightened its grip on the economy and is openly using the military for developmental purposes. Customs duties are relatively low. However, the State strictly controls the foreign exchange reserves, reducing trade freedom.

Eritrea is essentially an importing nation, agriculture exports (mainly coffee, cotton, leather) depend on the amount of rainfall and outdated irrigation systems; this has created a tremendous trade deficit during the past years, which has been constantly depening and should worsen still in the coming years.

The main trading partners of the country are the United States, the European Union and Sudan.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Imports of Goods (million USD)	495	510	600	590	690
Exports of Goods (million USD)	12	13	11	11	12
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	-1	-2	-	-	-
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	-1	-2	-	-	-
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	45	42	31	25	-
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	38	36	26	20	-
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	7	7	4	5	-

Source: WTO - World Trade Organization ; World Bank - Last Available Data.

To go further, check out our service Import export flows

Commercial Policy

Main International Economic Cooperation: Member of Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Assessment of Commercial Policy: Eritrea and the WTO
Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products): 2%

List of tariffs and local taxes that apply to your product on our service Customs duties and local taxes

Useful Resources: Egyptian Embassy in Eritrea
5.Marsa Fatma STREET
5570 Asmara
Phone: (002911)-124935-123294
Fax: (002911)123294
Contact the Embassy via Email.
National Organization of Intellectual Property: You can contact the Domestic Trade and Intellectual Property Department by Email.

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