Dar es Salaam: As Mozambican President Daniel Chapo begins his state visit to Tanzania on Thursday, July 2, 2026, new data from the Tanzania Trade Development Authority (TanTrade) points to significant, yet largely untapped, export opportunities between the two neighbouring countries.
Among the most promising products are maize, non-alcoholic beverages, sweetened water and glass containers for product packaging.
The opportunities are highlighted in a public notice published by TanTrade on its website on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
Although Tanzania’s exports to Mozambique have nearly doubled over the past five years—from $15.48 million in 2021 to $31.26 million in 2025—the report shows that several high-potential sectors remain largely unexploited.
According to TanTrade, the maize sector presents the most striking opportunity. While export potential is estimated at $5.7 million, actual exports reached only $5,100, leaving an unrealised opportunity worth approximately $5.69 million.
Similarly, non-alcoholic beverages have an estimated export potential of $4.5 million but generated exports of just $7,100. Sweetened water also represents an untapped opportunity valued at $1.96 million.
Glass containers used for product packaging reveal another significant gap, with unrealised exports worth $6.5 million out of an estimated market potential of $12 million.
To unlock these opportunities, TanTrade has recommended a range of strategic interventions focused on product diversification, export promotion and improved trade logistics.
The authority encourages exporters to expand shipments of rice, soya beans, sesame seeds, fertilisers and onions while increasing exports of products with high untapped potential through targeted export promotion initiatives and business matchmaking programmes.
TanTrade also emphasises the need to strengthen transport infrastructure, improve border efficiency and streamline customs procedures along the Tanzania–Mozambique corridor.
According to the authority, reducing transit times and lowering trade costs will improve the competitiveness of Tanzanian products and boost bilateral trade.
The report further calls for reforms to increase agricultural productivity by improving farmers’ access to quality inputs, irrigation, extension services and financing, particularly for export-oriented crops.
Despite the long-standing diplomatic ties between Tanzania and Mozambique, TanTrade notes that commercial relations between the two countries continue to operate below their full potential, even though the trade balance has consistently favoured Tanzania.
Trade data show that Tanzania exported goods worth $15.48 million to Mozambique in 2021, while imports stood at $4.59 million, resulting in a trade surplus of $10.89 million.
The surplus increased to $12.56 million in 2022, when exports rose to $35.18 million against imports of $22.62 million.
In 2023, exports declined to $17.7 million while imports fell to $3.4 million, leaving a surplus of $14.3 million.
Exports reached their highest level in 2024 at $37.02 million, compared with imports of $3.72 million, producing the largest trade surplus of the five-year period at $33.29 million.
In 2025, Tanzania exported goods worth $31.26 million to Mozambique and imported goods valued at $2.06 million, maintaining a strong trade surplus of $29.2 million.
Tanzania’s leading exports to Mozambique include manufactured goods worth $12.25 million, cement valued at $7.27 million and glassware worth $6.27 million.
Other major exports include cosmetics worth $2.79 million, as well as iron and steel products, edible oils, plastic products, paper products and textiles.
Mozambique’s principal exports to Tanzania include motor vehicles, industrial transport equipment, machinery, mechanical appliances, and iron and steel products.
As President Chapo holds bilateral talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan during his visit, the trade data provide a clear roadmap for transforming the two countries’ longstanding political ties into a stronger and more dynamic economic partnership.
According to available information, President Chapo is expected to arrive in Dar es Salaam on Thursday, July 2, 2026, and hold official talks with President Samia Suluhu Hassan at Magogoni State House on Friday, July 3, 2026.