(Ecofin Agency) - Ethiopia exports generated $2.1 billion during the first three quarters of the 2017-18 fiscal year. This represents an achievement rate of 56.9% from the $3.66 billion initially targeted and a deficit of $1.58 billion.

According to authorities, this rather poor performance is mainly due to smuggling. Among exported items, oilseeds, tea, and electricity recorded the best performance, meeting more than 75% of targets. On the other hand, chemical inputs, construction items, textile, spices, gold, live animals, footwear and honey products achieved less than 50% of income targets.

Let’s note that China, Somalia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and the Netherlands were the main destinations for Ethiopian exports during the period under review.