Uganda Trade Openness
Trade as % of GDP NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS
Uganda's trade openness was 38.72% in 2025, ranked 169th globally. This represents a 9.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Uganda's trade openness stood at 38.72% in 2025, a decline of +3.93% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 38.72% by 2025. Uganda ranked 169th globally.
Uganda’s trade openness, measured as the sum of exports and imports relative to GDP, has fallen from a post‑independence high of 49.15 in 1960 to an all‑time trough of 16.95 in 1977, reflecting the protectionist policies and internal conflicts of the late 1970s. The indicator rebounded during the early 2000s, reaching its peak of 56.26 in 2008 as liberalisation reforms and regional integration boosted both export volumes and import demand. Since then, openness has gradually declined, arriving at 38.72 in 2025, which places Uganda at 169th in the world ranking and aligns closely with peers such as Guinea‑Bissau (38.80) and China (38.03). The long‑term downward trajectory suggests that without further diversification of export markets, improvements in transport infrastructure, and deeper participation in regional trade agreements, Uganda’s trade openness is likely to remain modest, limiting its capacity to benefit from global value chains.
Data & projection
| Year | Trade Openness | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 39.31% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 39.02% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 38.72% | - | - |
| 2025 | 38.72% | −3.93% | #169 |
| 2024 | 42.65% | +9.31% | #26 |
| 2023 | 33.34% | −1.16% | #7 |
| 2022 | 34.51% | −7.21% | #6 |
| 2021 | 41.71% | +4.71% | #20 |
| 2020 | 37.00% | −2.36% | #20 |
| 2019 | 39.36% | +2.72% | #16 |
| 2018 | 36.64% | −0.20% | #12 |
| 2017 | 36.84% | +5.63% | #12 |
| 2016 | 31.21% | −6.48% | #10 |
| 2015 | 37.69% | +1.67% | #12 |
| 2014 | 36.01% | −7.09% | #6 |
| 2013 | 43.11% | −0.39% | #17 |
| 2012 | 43.50% | +3.75% | #16 |
| 2011 | 39.76% | +1.49% | #11 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Uganda matched the Orthodox Tightening Cycle pattern in 2011. Historically, 57% of countries showing this pattern (177 out of 311) saw trade openness improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Uganda's trade openness was 38.72% in 2025. Ranked 169th globally. This represents a 9.2% decrease from the previous year.
Uganda's trade openness peaked at 56.26% in 2008.
The lowest trade openness in Uganda was 16.95% in 1977.
Uganda ranks 169th globally in trade openness as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Uganda's trade openness is projected to reach 38.72% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The trade openness of Uganda in 2025 was 38.72%. This ranks 169th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_uganda_trade-openness,
title = {Uganda Trade Openness},
url = {https://historysaid.com/uganda/trade-openness/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}