Top 10 Imports of Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s imports amounted to USD14.1 billion in 2020, 13.9Pct lower than in 2016 and 9.3Pct lower than in 2019 and 2020. Based on average exchange rates for 2020, the Ethiopian Birr has depreciated 60.7Pct against the US dollar since 2016 and by 7Pct between 2019 and 2020. Imports paid in relatively stronger US dollars are thus more expensive for Ethiopian buyers. From a continental perspective, nearly three quarters (72.7Pct) of Ethiopia’s total imports by value are purchased from Asian countries. European trading partners supply 14.4Pct while 6Pct arrives from other African countries. Only 5.7Pct arrives from North American shores. From other regions, 1.1Pct comes from Latin America excluding Mexico but including the Caribbean, as well as 0.1Pct from Oceania including Australia. Given Ethiopia’s population, its total of USD14.1 billion in 2020 imports translates to roughly USD150 in yearly product demand from every person in the country. EBR
| Rank | Import Item | Volumes Imported in USD - Proportion of Total Imports |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Machinery including computers | 1.8 billion - 13Pct |
| 2 | Mineral fuels including oil | 1.7 billion - 12.2Pct |
| 3 | Electrical machinery, equipment Vehicles | 1.1 billion - 7.7Pct |
| 4 | Vehicles | 1 billion - 7.3Pct |
| 5 | Animal & vegetable fats, oils, & waxes | 898.9 million - 6.4Pct |
| 6 | Cereals | 863.7 million - 6.1Pct |
| 7 | Iron & steel | 707.1 million - 5Pct |
| 8 | Plastics & plastic articles | 638.8 million - 4.5Pct |
| 9 | Pharmaceuticals | 580.5 million - 4.1Pct |
| 10 | Fertilizers | 507.4 million - 3.6Pct |
10th Year • Dec 2021 • No. 102
Ethiopian Business Review
