• DR Congo’s exports to the U.S. rose by over $1 billion between April and July 2025.

• Ethiopia and Kenya posted respective export growth rates of 95% and 22% over the same period.

• U.S. tariffs on African exporters stand at 10–11%, far below the 30% duties applied to Asian exporters.

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Ethiopia increased exports to the United States between April and July 2025 despite U.S. tariffs, according to the UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA). The agency said higher global commodity prices and trade diversion effects drove the gains.

According to UNECA, the performance of the region’s exports was supported by the rise in global prices of key commodities.

The DRC led the trend, boosting sales to the U.S. by more than $1 billion compared with the same period in 2024. Ethiopia and Kenya also posted significant gains, with exports up 95% and 22%, respectively.

UNECA attributed the increases to strong U.S. demand for raw materials, particularly minerals, which now represent 53% of East Africa’s total exports.

The growth comes despite tariffs introduced by the Trump administration in April 2025 under the “Liberation Day” program. The policy imposed duties of up to 30% on major Asian exporters.

By contrast, tariffs on African exporters were lower: 11% for the DRC and 10% for Ethiopia and Kenya. This allowed African producers to remain competitive as U.S. buyers shifted away from higher-cost Asian suppliers.

UNECA warned that despite short-term export gains, East Africa remains exposed to structural vulnerabilities. Mineral exports dominate trade flows, raising concerns about overdependence on commodities.

Governments in the region have introduced measures to sustain export growth. Kenya launched the second phase of the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone. Ethiopia modernized the Moyale one-stop border post and expanded its industrial parks. The DRC implemented a national trade strategy focused on product competitiveness and export promotion.

This article was initially published in French by Lydie Mobio

Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum