In 2018, exports outside of Africa $975 million (about K731 billion) while exports to African regions accounted for $173.7 million (about K130 billion), according to the international trade index on Trade Map. The figures show that during the year in review, exports grew by 9% in 2018 after recording an export value of $975 million compared to $889 million recorded in 2017.

In 2017, Netherlands, South Africa and the United States were amidst the top five export partners for Malawi, but in 2018 Russia made the list, removing the Netherlands. Meanwhile Zimbabwe, South Africa, Egypt, Mozambique and Tanzania were the top five export partners for Malawi in 2018.

The exports are a result of government’s strategy that is aimed at raising a share of imports from 51.5% recorded in 2010 to 75.7% in 2017 and 93.4% in 2022.