Imports and exports in Kenya rose significantly in July, as various countries eased COVID-19 restrictions, boosting trade activity. Month-on-month imports increased to about US$1,26 billion (about R21 billion) in July, up from US$1,1 billion (R18,33 billion) in June, and US$1 billion (R16,66 billion) in May, the latest economic data from the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) showed.
At the same time, exports rose to US$481 million (just over R8 billion) in July, up from a low of US$398 million (R6,6 billion) in April when the COVID-19 pandemic hit many countries, KNBS said in a statement.
The bulk of Kenya’s imports during the period included industrial supplies, fuel and lubricants, machinery and consumer goods, while exports mainly consisted of food and beverages, such as tea and coffee, as well as…