Exporting

All the tools and resources you need to export your goods across the world

Almost five centuries as a Portuguese colony came to a close with independence in 1975. Large-scale emigration, economic dependence on South Africa, a severe drought, and a prolonged civil war hindered the country's development until the mid-1990s. The ruling Front for the Liberation of Mozambique (FRELIMO) party formally abandoned Marxism in 1989, and a new constitution the following year provided for multiparty elections and a free market economy. A UN-negotiated peace agreement between FRELIMO and rebel Mozambique National Resistance (RENAMO) forces ended the fighting in 1992. In 2004, Mozambique underwent a delicate transition as Joaquim CHISSANO stepped down after 18 years in office. His elected successor, Armando GUEBUZA, served two terms and then passed executive power to Filipe NYUSI in 2014. RENAMO’s residual armed forces have continued to engage in a low-level insurgency since 2012.

Location

Southeastern Africa, bordering the Mozambique Channel, between South Africa and Tanzania

Natural Resources

coal, titanium, natural gas, hydropower, tantalum, graphite

Population - distribution

three large populations clusters are found along the southern coast between Maputo and Inhambane, in the central area between Beira and Chimoio along the Zambezi River, and in and around the northern cities of Nampula, Cidade de Nacala, and Pemba; the northwest and southwest are the least populated areas

22061451
Emakhuwa 25.3%, Portuguese (official) 10.7%, Xichangana 10.3%, Cisena 7.5%, Elomwe 7%, Echuwabo 5.1%, other Mozambican languages 30.1%, other 0.3%, unspecified 3.7% (2007 est.)
MAPUTO (capital) 1.187 million; Matola 937,000 (2015)
Conventional long form
Republic of Mozambique
Conventional short form
Mozambique
Local long form
Republica de Mocambique
Local short form
Mocambique
presidential republic
Name
Maputo
Geographic coordinates
25 57 S, 32 35 E
Time difference
UTC+2 (7 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
has not submitted an ICJ jurisdiction declaration; non-party state to the ICCt
At independence in 1975, Mozambique was one of the world's poorest countries. Socialist policies, economic mismanagement, and a brutal civil war from 1977 to 1992 further impoverished the country. In 1987, the government embarked on a series of macroeconomic reforms designed to stabilize the economy. These steps, combined with donor assistance and with political stability since the multi-party elections in 1994, propelled the country’s GDP from $4 billion in 1993, following the war, to about $35 billion in 2016. Fiscal reforms, including the introduction of a value-added tax and reform of the customs service, have improved the government's revenue collection abilities.
Inflation
19.854%
External debt stocks
US$ 10,055,525,000
Total tax rate (% of commercial profits)
36.1%
Real Interest Rate
8.031%
Manufacturing, value added (% of GDP)
9.533%
Current Account Balance
US$ -5,832,977,837
Labor Force, Total
12,532,256
Employment in Agriculture
80.50%
Employment in Industry
3.40%
Employment in Services
16.10%
Unemployment Rate
24.37%
Imports of goods and services
US$ 8,498,235,560
Exports of goods and services
US$ 3,828,497,482
Total Merchandise Trade
78.53%
FDI, net inflows
US$ 3,868,353,885
Commercial Service Exports
US$ 722,620,716
cotton, cashew nuts, sugarcane, tea, cassava (manioc, tapioca), corn, coconuts, sisal, citrus and tropical fruits, potatoes, sunflowers; beef, poultry
aluminum, petroleum products, chemicals (fertilizer, soap, paints), textiles, cement, glass, asbestos, tobacco, food, beverages
Commodities
aluminum, prawns, cashews, cotton, sugar, citrus, timber; bulk electricity
Partners
South Africa 21.2%, China 10.6%, Italy 9.4%, India 8.8%, Belgium 8.2%, Spain 4.6% (2015)
Commodities
machinery and equipment, vehicles, fuel, chemicals, metal products, foodstuffs, textiles
Partners
South Africa 23.6%, China 19.7%, India 14.2%, Portugal 4% (2015)
Country Risk Rating
E
The highest-risk political and economic situation and the most difficult business environment. Corporate default is likely.
Business Climate Rating
D
The business environment is very difficult. Corporate financial information is rarely available and when available usually unreliable. The legal system makes debt collection very unpredictable. The institutional framework has very serious weaknesses. Intercompany transactions can thus be very difficult to manage in the highly risky environments rated D.
  • Enviable geographic location: long coastline, proximity to the South African market
  • Considerable mineral (coal), agricultural and hydroelectric wealth
  • Major gas reserves discovered off shore in 2010
  • Supported by foreign financial donors and investors (FDIs) with finance for mining and gas industry infrastructure
  • Limited diversification; dependence on commodity prices (aluminum, coal)
  • Inadequate transport and port infrastructure seriously limiting the ability to export commodities
  • Highly dependent on international aid and the South African economy
  • Poor governance

Our site saves small pieces of text information (cookies) on your device in order to deliver better content and for statistical purposes. By browsing our website you grant us permission to store that information on your device. For more information check our Terms and Conditions.