East African Community intra trade volumes have reduced to about 40 per cent due to Covid-19 measures as the World Trade Organisation warns of a worldwide drop in merchandise goods.
“Intra trade volumes in the EAC have dropped to between 30 and 40 per cent in the past three months,” said Kenneth Bagamuhunda, EAC Director General, and Customs Trade.
“This can be attributed to the restrictions imposed on the movement of cargo trucks from the ports of Mombasa and Dar es Salaam to Malaba, Busia, Mutukula, Rusumo and other border points within the community.”
“The Rusumo border from Rwanda to Tanzania was also affected when Rwanda insisted on testing truck drivers for coronavirus thus affecting the smooth flow of goods to Kigali,” said Mr Bagamuhunda.
“Covid-19 has adversely affected EAC intra trade and cross border movement of goods,” said Dr Peter Mathuki, chief executive of East African Business Council.
