International Trade Statistics for Somaliland 2021

Somaliland is an import-dependent country, and trade affects every facet of daily life. The trade deficit of Somaliland increased from $1.7 billion in 2020 to $2.3 billion in 2021. The high reliance on cattle, the poor production of other staples like vegetables and fruits, and the limited domestic industrial capacity all indicate the country's productive structure. Berbera constitutes the main entry port of goods, coming from various countries including China, the UAE, or India, which are prominent non-African trade partners of Somaliland. Hargeisa airport and the Wajaale border customs posts are also particularly relevant ports of entry/exit. Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Somalia, are the other key trade partners of Somaliland. Related to imports coming from Ethiopia, the import of qat is particularly relevant. Qat is widely consumed by adult men and is mainly imported from the Somali region of Ethiopia, on a daily basis. Qat duties accounted for as much as 26.7% of total customs duties in 2021. It primarily comes through from the Tog-Wajale and Kalabaydh custom posts.