(NAIROBI) – Trade between South Sudan and Kenya weakened in the third quarter of 2025, even as Kenya recorded modest overall export growth driven by stronger demand from other African markets, according to new official data.
Figures released by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics show that Kenya’s export earnings from South Sudan declined by 26.1 percent during the third quarter compared with the same period in 2024. The fall highlights continued pressure on cross border trade between the two neighbouring economies.
Overall, Kenya exported goods worth KSh289.4 billion, equivalent to about US$40.8 million, in the third quarter of 2025, up from KSh282.4 billion, or about US$39.8 million, recorded a year earlier. This represents a 2.5 percent increase in total export earnings.
African countries remained Kenya’s most important export destination, accounting for 44.6 percent of total earnings in the quarter. Exports to the continent grew by 15.3 percent compared with the same period in 2024, reflecting stronger trade links with several regional markets.
However, South Sudan did not benefit from this broader regional growth. The decline in exports to South Sudan contrasts with strong gains recorded in other neighbouring countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Egypt and Rwanda.
| Market | Change in Kenya Export Earnings | Main Products |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | Down 26.1 percent | Mixed goods |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | Up 57.5 percent | Jet fuel |
| Uganda | Up 34.5 percent | Potatoes, fuel products |
| Egypt | Up 31.1 percent | Tea |
| Rwanda | Up 10.9 percent | Fuel products |
Kenya’s increased exports to the Democratic Republic of Congo were supported mainly by re exports of kerosene type jet fuel. Trade with Uganda grew on the back of domestic exports of potatoes and re exports of gas oil and premium motor spirit. Egypt recorded higher imports of Kenyan tea, while Rwanda increased purchases of premium motor spirit.
In contrast, weaker demand from South Sudan and Sudan weighed on Kenya’s regional trade performance. Export earnings from Sudan dropped sharply by 92.1 percent, reflecting broader economic and logistical challenges affecting trade flows in the region.
The decline in South Sudan Kenya trade comes at a time when Kenya continues to promote deeper regional integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Kenya ratified the agreement in 2018, aiming to expand intra African trade and reduce dependence on distant markets.
Despite this, progress across the continent has been uneven. Trade barriers, infrastructure gaps and limited access to foreign exchange in some markets have slowed the full implementation of the free trade area, affecting countries such as South Sudan.
Beyond Africa, Kenya recorded mixed export results. Exports to Europe increased by 5.2 percent to KSh60.8 billion, about US$8.6 million, supported by higher shipments of cut flowers and macadamia nuts, mainly to the Netherlands and Kazakhstan.
Exports to the Americas declined from KSh26.2 billion, about US$3.7 million, in the third quarter of 2024 to KSh24.4 billion, about US$3.4 million, in the same quarter of 2025. The drop was largely linked to reduced coffee exports to the United States.
Trade with Asia also contracted, with exports falling by 14.2 percent to KSh68.0 billion, equivalent to about US$9.6 million. Lower earnings from the United Arab Emirates, India, Pakistan and Yemen contributed to the decline.
