Top 10 Burundi Imports and Exports: Key Products & Top Trade Partners

Discover the top 10 imports and exports of Burundi, including key products and major trade partners. Get insights into Burundi's international trade trends.

Feb 28, 2025 0 5.4k

Top 10 Burundi Imports and Exports: Key Products & Top Trade Partners

Burundi, a landlocked country in East Africa, may not be a major player in global trade, but it still has a range of imports and exports that contribute to its economy, as per the Africa trade data. From coffee to gold, Burundi has a diverse range of products that it imports and exports to various countries around the world. Based on the latest Burundi customs data that is currently available, Burundi had a $1.40 billion current account deficit in 2023, which indicates a significant imbalance between the country's imports and exports. The main cause of this deficit is the low volume of Burundi's exports, which mostly consist of coffee and tea, in comparison to its import requirements for fuel, food, and building materials. Burundi is the 178th biggest importer and the 180th biggest exporter of goods globally, as per trade statistics.

According to Burundi import data, Burundi's total imports accounted for $1.18 billion in 2023-24, while the value of Burundi's goods exports reached $217.47 million, as per Burundi export data. Let's take a closer look at the main industries that drive Burundi's economy and the top trading partners that play a significant role in its international trade. In this article, we will explore the top 10 imports and exports of Burundi, as well as its key products and trade partners.

Top 10 Import Commodities of Burundi by HS Code

Burundi's import data by HS code reveals the top 10 import commodities dominating the market. These commodities offer insightful information crucial for businesses looking to invest in Burundi's market. From machinery and electrical equipment to mineral fuels and oils, these imports reflect the diverse range of products driving the country's economy. Burundi's biggest imports, as per Burundi import data and Burundi shipment data for 2023-24 are:

1. Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $263.58 million

Leading the list of import commodities are mineral fuels and oils, as per Burundi customs import data by HS code, accounting for 22.29% of total imports at a value of $263.58 million. Burundi's lack of domestic fossil fuel reserves necessitates the importation of these essential energy sources.

2. Fertilizers (HS code 31): $98.71 million

Fertilizers play a crucial role in boosting agricultural productivity, and Burundi imports them at a value of $98.71 million, representing 8.35% of total imports. The country's economy heavily relies on the agriculture sector, making fertilizers a key import commodity.

3. Vehicles (HS code 87): $84.56 million

With a value of $84.56 million, vehicles are the third-largest import commodity in Burundi, accounting for 7.15% of total imports. The demand for cars, trucks, and other vehicles in the country has been steadily increasing, driving the need for imports.

4. Nuclear reactors and machinery (HS code 84): $67.45 million

Imported nuclear reactors and machinery are valued at $67.45 million, representing 5.71% of total imports. These high-tech and complex machinery items are crucial for various industrial sectors in Burundi.

5. Electrical machinery and equipment (HS code 85): $66.85 million

At a value of $66.85 million, electrical machinery and equipment constitute 5.65% of total imports in Burundi. These imported goods play a vital role in powering the country's infrastructure and technological advancement.

6. Iron and steel (HS code 72): $54.22 million

Iron and steel imports are valued at $54.22 million, accounting for 4.59% of total imports. These materials are essential for construction projects, manufacturing, and infrastructure development in Burundi.

7. Cereals (HS code 10): $46.63 million

Despite being an agricultural-centric economy, Burundi imports cereals worth $46.63 million, representing 3.94% of total imports. This highlights the need to supplement domestic production to meet the country's food requirements.

8. Pharmaceutical products (HS code 30): $41.79 million

Pharmaceutical products are crucial for maintaining public health, and Burundi imports them at a value of $41.79 million, accounting for 3.53% of total imports. Access to quality medicines is essential for the well-being of the population.

9. Salt, sulfur, lime, and cement (HS code 25): $39.72 million

Burundi imports salt, sulfur, lime, and cement worth $39.72 million, constituting 3.36% of total imports. These basic construction materials are essential for infrastructure development and urbanization projects in the country.

10. Plastics and articles thereof (HS code 39): $34.47 million

Rounding up the list are plastics and articles thereof, with imports valued at $34.47 million, representing 2.92% of total imports. These versatile materials are used in various industries, including packaging, construction, and manufacturing.

Top 10 Export Commodities of Burundi by HS Code

Burundi's top 10 export commodities, as per the Burundi Export Data by HS Code, showcase a diverse range of products that drive the economy's foreign trade. These commodities include coffee, tea, hides and skins, ores, precious stones, textiles, prepared foodstuffs, beverages, tobacco, and plastics. The top 10 exports of Burundi, as per Burundi customs data and Burundi export data for 2023-24 are:

1. Precious stones and metals, pearls (HS code 71): $74.98 million

Topping the list are precious stones and metals, and pearls, accounting for 34.48% of Burundi's total exports with a value of $74.98 million. Burundi is rich in various minerals, including gemstones like ruby, sapphire, and emerald, making it a key player in the international gemstone market.

2. Coffee, tea, and spices (HS code 09): $60.53 million

Coffee, tea, and spices are another significant export commodity for Burundi, contributing 27.84% to the country's export revenue, amounting to $60.53 million. Burundi produces high-quality Arabica coffee beans, which are highly sought after in the global market.

3. Beverages, spirits, and vinegar (HS code 22): $12.53 million

In the third spot are beverages, spirits, and vinegar, making up 5.77% of Burundi's total exports, valued at $12.53 million. Burundi is known for its traditional banana beer and other locally brewed beverages that have gained popularity both locally and internationally.

4. Tobacco and tobacco substitutes (HS code 24): $10.96 million

Tobacco and manufactured tobacco substitutes are also among Burundi's top export commodities, accounting for 5.04% of the country's export revenue, totaling $10.96 million. Burundi's tobacco industry has been growing steadily, with high-quality tobacco products being exported to various countries.

5. Products of the milling industry (HS code 11): $9.96 million

Products of the milling industry, including flour, grains, and starches, make up 4.58% of Burundi's export revenue, amounting to $9.96 million. Burundi has a well-established milling industry that produces a wide range of food products for both domestic consumption and export.

6. Iron and steel (HS code 72): $8.85 million

Iron and steel products are also significant export commodities for Burundi, contributing 4.07% to the country's total exports with a value of $8.85 million. Burundi's iron and steel sector plays a vital role in supporting the country's infrastructure and construction projects.

7. Glass and glassware (HS code 70): $6.18 million

The export of glass and glassware products accounts for 2.84% of Burundi's total export revenue, totaling $6.18 million. Burundi has a growing glass industry that produces a variety of glass products for domestic use and export.

8. Soap and washing preparations (HS code 34): $5.56 million

Soap and washing preparations are also significant export commodities for Burundi, contributing 2.56% to the country's export revenue, amounting to $5.56 million. Burundi's soap and detergent industry produces a wide range of cleaning products for both local and international markets.

9. Mineral fuels and oils (HS code 27): $4.10 million

Mineral fuels and oils make up 1.89% of Burundi's total export revenue, with a value of $4.10 million. Despite not being a major player in the oil industry, Burundi still exports a modest number of mineral fuels and oils to neighboring countries.

10. Ores, slag, and ash (HS code 26): $4.05 million

Rounding up the export list are ores, slag, and ash, accounting for 1.86% of Burundi's total exports, valued at $4.05 million. Burundi has rich deposits of various ores and minerals, which are mined and processed for export to other countries.

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Burundi's Top 10 Trade Partners for Imports: Import Data by Country

Burundi's top 10 trade partners for imports play a crucial role in shaping the country's import landscape. According to Burundi's import data by country, some of the leading trade partners include China, India, UAE, Tanzania, and Kenya. These countries contribute significantly to Burundi's import sector, reflecting diverse trade relationships. The top 10 import partners of Burundi, as per Burundi trade data and Burundi import data by country in 2023-24 include:

United Arab Emirates: $198.57 million (16.8%)
China: $165.40 million (14%)
Tanzania: $149.26 million (12.6%)
India: $83.81 million (7.1%)
Saudi Arabia: $68.58 million (5.8%)
Kenya: $56.47 million (4.8%)
Uganda: $50.51 million (4.3%)
Japan: $42.03 million (3.6%)
Belgium: $26.71 million (2.3%)
Zambia: $23.90 million (2%)

Burundi's Top 10 Trade Partners for Exports: Export Data by Country

Burundi's export data by country reveals its top 10 trade partners for exports, shedding light on the nation's economic relationships. The list showcases the countries that hold significant importance in Burundi's export market, providing valuable insights for businesses and policymakers alike. Just like imports, the UAE gains the top spot as the biggest export partner of Burundi. The top 10 export partners of Burundi as per Burundi shipment data and Burundi export records in 2023 include:

United Arab Emirates: $80.45 million (37%)
Congo: $44.40 million (20.4%)
Switzerland: $13.92 million (6.4%)
Belgium: $8.93 million (4.1%)
Sudan: $8.60 million (4%)
Pakistan: $6.48 million (3%)
Tanzania: $6.13 million (2.8%)
Rwanda: $5.84 million (2.7%)
Germany: $5.40 million (2.5%)
Uganda: $5 million (2.3%)

Burundi Import-Export Trade Data in the Last 10 Years

Year of Trade	Burundi’s total imports ($)	Burundi’s total exports ($)
2013	$727.49 million	$206.87 million
2014	$672.57 million	$141.50 million
2015	$957.55 million	$236.48 million
2016	$638.93 million	$125.97 million
2017	$785.93 million	$149.96 million
2018	$794.11 million	$180.34 million
2019	$887.34 million	$180.77 million
2020	$909.13 million	$162.31 million
2021	$981.08 million	$113.15 million
2022	$1.20 billion	$188.86 million
2023	$1.18 billion	$217.47 million

Conclusion

In conclusion, Burundi's economy is heavily reliant on international trade, with a diverse range of imports and exports that contribute to its economic growth. While Burundi may not be a major player in global trade, it still has a range of imports and exports that contribute to its economy. The country's top imports include machinery, vehicles, pharmaceuticals, plastics, and iron and steel, while its top exports include coffee, tea, ores and metals, fish, and vegetables which contribute massively to Burundi’s foreign trade. With key trade partners such as China, Belgium, Tanzania, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, Burundi continues to engage in international trade and build relationships with countries around the world.

To know more about the latest Burundi import data and exclusive market trends of Burundi, Visit TradeImeX. Contact us at info@tradeimex.in and get a list of top importers and buyers in Burundi with our Burundi importers data of several import commodities.