Promote:
Export from Somalia
A short guide for companies selling from Somalia: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Somalia sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$1.06 billion
Partners reported US$1,056.3 million of imports from Somalia in 2023, summed over 102 reporting countries.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Top goods exports
2023
- 1. Live sheep and goats (HS 0104)US$380.1 million
- 2. Gold (HS 7108)US$315.2 million
- 3. Banknotes, stamps and securities (HS 4907)US$81.8 million
- 4. Other live animals (HS 0106)US$75.1 million
- 5. Live cattle (HS 0102)US$44.5 million
- 6. Dried, salted and smoked fish (HS 0305)US$20.7 million
- 7. Crustaceans such as lobster and shrimp (HS 0306)US$18.3 million
- 8. Citrus fruit (HS 0805)US$14.6 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Paper and cardboard boxes (HS 4819)US$14.1 million
- 10. Natural gums and resins (HS 1301)US$13.9 million
- 11. Iron and steel scrap (HS 7204)US$12.1 million
- 12. Sesame and other oil seeds (HS 1207)US$11.5 million
- 13. Frozen fish (HS 0303)US$11.3 million
- 14. Mollusks such as squid and clams (HS 0307)US$8.79 million
- 15. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$4.5 million
- 16. Electronic waste and scrap (HS 8549)US$4.26 million
- 17. Fish oils and fats (HS 1504)US$2.5 million
- 18. Sheep and goat meat (HS 0204)US$2.11 million
- 19. Essential oils (HS 3301)US$1.45 million
- 20. Wheat flour (HS 1101)US$1.32 million
- Reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), not at export. Source (opens in a new tab)
- For 2025, buyers reported US$650.4 million from 91 countries without the United Arab Emirates, so 2023 is ranked, the latest year in which the largest buyer reported. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Fish lines are ranked because the statistics office counts fishery exports; fuels (HS chapter 27, US$1.6 million) and unspecified commodities (HS 9999, US$1.7 million) are not ranked. Source (opens in a new tab)
- National accounts put 2023 livestock exports at US$860.87 million; buyer records show US$499.6 million for live sheep, goats, cattle and other live animals, a different basis. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Banknotes, stamps and securities (HS 4907) cover unused stamps, stamp-impressed paper, check forms, banknotes and securities; Djibouti reported 99.9 percent of the 2023 value, and only buyers report the line. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Where the goods go
2023, share of goods exports
- United Arab Emirates34%
- Saudi Arabia26.7%
- Oman17.1%
- Djibouti8%
- India2.9%
- Macao1.9%
- France1.6%
- Qatar1.2%
- Reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), not at export. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Live sheep and goats are 36.0 percent and gold 29.8 percent of buyer-reported 2023 imports, so shares to the top destinations follow those two lines. Source (opens in a new tab)
- The destinations are buyers' 2023 reports, the latest year in which the United Arab Emirates, the largest buyer, reported; it took 34.0 percent. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks live sheep and goats, other live animals and live cattle as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Somalia’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Citrus fruit grew 71% from 2022 to 2023; fish oils and fats grew 59% from 2022 to 2023. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
The United Arab Emirates takes 34% of Somalia’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
East African Community (EAC)
The World Trade Organization describes Somalia as integrating into the East African Community, a regional market for Somali goods once its rules apply.
No source opened shows the customs union applying to Somali exports, and the Community's own pages could not be opened.
Source: World Trade Organization, news item on Somalia accession, October 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA)
Somalia joined COMESA, the eastern and southern African common market, in July 2018.
No source opened shows Somali goods receiving the COMESA free trade area's tariff cuts; confirm with customs before you claim one.
Source: MoPIED, National Investment Promotion Strategy, September 2020 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
AGOA
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, does not cover Somali goods in 2026.
As of June 30, 2026, the Federal Register notice lists Somalia among sub-Saharan countries not designated as AGOA beneficiaries for 2026.
Source: USTR, Federal Register notice on AGOA eligibility, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
European Union Everything But Arms
Goods from Somalia can enter the European Union duty-free under the scheme for least-developed countries if they meet the origin rules.
Annex IV of the consolidated Regulation 978/2012 lists Somalia, and Regulation (EU) 2026/1395 keeps it under Everything But Arms from January 1, 2027.
Source: European Union, Regulation 978/2012, consolidated November 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of November 28, 2023
Show 1 more agreement
United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Somalia is on the scheme's Comprehensive Preferences list, which gives the widest tariff cuts to qualifying goods.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; the tier list was published on June 19, 2023, so confirm the current tier.
Source: United Kingdom government, Developing Countries Trading Scheme preference tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Somalia
- Register the business and get a trade license on the eBusiness portal.Ministry of Commerce and IndustryName reservation US$20; private company registration US$50; license US$100 to US$2,000; processing within three business hoursOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: eBusiness Somalia, business registration and licensing, current page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get a tax identification number, which the customs export declaration asks for.Somalia Revenue DirectorateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Finance, Single Administrative Document booklet, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Check the product against the banned exports in the General Customs Regulation and any list the Director-General of Revenue publishes.Somalia Revenue DirectorateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Finance, General Customs Regulation, May 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 19, 2024
- Apply to the Chamber for a certificate of origin on the goods you export.Somali Chamber of Commerce and IndustryOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 3 more export steps
- Ask the Bureau which standards and certification apply to the product you export.Somali Bureau of StandardsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Finance, terms of reference for Standards Bureau, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Lodge the export declaration on the Single Administrative Document, with the invoice, packing list and any export permit.Somalia Revenue DirectorateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Finance, Single Administrative Document booklet, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Declare to customs in writing any cash or bearer instruments of US$10,000 or more that you take out of the country.Somalia Revenue DirectorateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Ministry of Finance, General Customs Regulation, May 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 19, 2024
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Revenue Directorate and SNBS. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
- Research markets
National statistics office
SNBS
Somali National Bureau of Statistics
Publishes consumer price, national accounts, trade and exchange rate statistics that help a company size a market.
- Get advice
Trade and industry ministry
MoCI
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Runs the business registration and licensing portal and is responsible for internal and external trade and manufacturing policy.
Visit MoCI (opens in a new tab)Source: eBusiness Somalia, knowledge base page of the trade ministry (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
Multilateral trade body
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Hosts Somalia's accession working party and publishes its accession status and technical assistance news.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: World Trade Organization, accession status page for Somalia (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
Revenue Directorate
Somalia Revenue Directorate
Collects import and export duties and domestic taxes, enforces export prohibitions, and publishes tax forms and the customs regulation.
Visit Revenue Directorate (opens in a new tab)Source: Somalia Revenue Directorate, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Finance ministry
MoF
Ministry of Finance
Publishes Somalia's customs, revenue and extractive industry legislation and the national budget.
Visit MoF (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Finance, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SOBS
Somali Bureau of Standards
Sets national standards and product quality rules, with a mandate over testing, inspection, certification and export standards.
Visit SOBS (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Finance, terms of reference for Standards Bureau, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
SCCI
Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Issues certificates of origin and other trade certificates and keeps a directory of member businesses.
Visit SCCI (opens in a new tab)Source: Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry, services page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get advice
Banking industry association
SBA
Somali Bankers Association
Represents Somalia's banks in policy dialogue and publishes news on payments and the banking sector.
Visit SBA (opens in a new tab)Source: Somali Bankers Association, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Banned exports
The General Customs Regulation bans charcoal exports (HS 4402), and Security Council resolution 2806 (2025) reaffirmed the United Nations ban on Somali charcoal exports and imports.
What to do: Check every product against the regulation's banned list and the Revenue Directorate's current list before you book a shipment.
Sources: Ministry of Finance, General Customs Regulation, May 2024 (opens in a new tab); United Nations, Security Council resolution 2806, December 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Trade data coverage
Somalia reports no annual goods data to UN Comtrade, and the statistics office publishes exports only by broad category, so product detail comes from buyers' reports.
What to do: Ask the statistics office for its latest export tables before you size a market.
Sources: Somali National Bureau of Statistics, Quarterly Statistical Bulletin, March 2024 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, data availability by reporter, fetched 2026-10-30 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Gulf buyers, livestock and gold
The United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia and Oman take 77.9 percent of buyer-reported 2023 imports, and live sheep and goats and gold are 65.8 percent.
What to do: Confirm each destination's import rules, and animal health rules for livestock, with the buyer before you contract.
Sources: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Somalia by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Export standards
A 2022 Ministry of Finance document says the Bureau is mandated to ensure exported products meet agreed standards, with livestock products a focus of its export work.
What to do: Ask the Bureau which standards apply to your product before you ship.
Source: Ministry of Finance, terms of reference for Standards Bureau, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more
Sanctions screening
The European Union's Somalia regime combines a partial arms embargo, a charcoal import ban and individual asset freezes, and the United States runs a separate Somalia sanctions program.
What to do: Screen every buyer, supplier and partner against the United Nations, European Union, United Kingdom and United States lists before you sign.
Sources: European Union, sanctions map regime list, read 2026-10-31 (opens in a new tab); OFAC, sanctions programs and country information page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Security and travel
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against all travel to Somalia except the regions of Awdal, Maroodijeh and Sahil, where it advises against all but essential travel.
What to do: Arrange site visits and shipments around current travel advice and your insurer's terms.
Source: FCDO, foreign travel advice for Somalia, updated June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
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Promote:Somalia is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.