South Sudan, a country situated in northeastern Africa, is one of the world's youngest countries. It became an independent nation in 2011, separating itself from Sudan after decades of civil war. Since then, the country has been working hard to build its economy and increase its global presence.
As reported by the national statistic agency and by COMTRADE, South Sudan's main exports consist of crude oil, gold, and agricultural products such as sesame, groundnuts, gum arabic, and livestock. These products are exported to several countries around the world, including China, India, Uganda, and Kenya.
China is the largest importer of South Sudanese goods, accounting for approximately 80% of the country's export revenue. In 2020 alone, China imported 256,000 barrels per day of crude oil from South Sudan. This makes China South Sudan's most important economic and trading partner.
India is also a significant importer of South Sudanese goods, primarily crude oil. In 2020, India imported 5.5 million barrels of oil from South Sudan, making it the country's second-largest importer.
Another critical trading partner for South Sudan is Uganda. The two countries share a common border, which makes it easy for them to trade goods. In 2020, Uganda imported goods worth $223 million from South Sudan, including oil, vegetables, sorghum, and gold.
Kenya is another significant trading partner for South Sudan. It imports a range of products, including oil, gum arabic, and livestock. In 2019, Kenya imported goods worth $93 million from South Sudan.
Despite the country's vast reserves of natural resources, South Sudan is still struggling to develop its economy fully. The ongoing political instability in the country has hindered economic growth and made it challenging for the government to implement long-term economic plans.
In an effort to address these challenges, the government of South Sudan has been working to diversify its economy and reduce its dependence on oil exports. One way it is doing this is by investing in agriculture. The country has vast arable land, and the government is encouraging farmers to expand their production of crops such as maize, sorghum, and vegetables.
South Sudan is also looking to attract foreign investment to help develop its economy. As part of this strategy, the government has signed several agreements with foreign companies. One of these companies is Qingzhou Hanyang Greenhouse Project Co., Ltd.
Qingzhou Hanyang Greenhouse Project Co., Ltd. is a Chinese company that specializes in the research, design, and manufacture of greenhouse engineering and sand mining machinery. The company is working with the government of South Sudan to build greenhouses that will help improve agricultural production in the country.
The project is part of the government's efforts to increase food security and reduce dependence on imported food. It is also expected to create jobs for local people and generate revenue for the government.
In conclusion, South Sudan's exports by country show that the country has enormous potential for economic growth. However, political instability and a heavy reliance on oil exports have hindered this growth. To fully realize their potential, the government of South Sudan needs to focus on diversifying the economy, investing in agriculture, and attracting foreign investment.