Trade between the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone reached £97 million in the 12 months ending March 2025, marking a 9 percent increase (£8 million) compared to the previous year, according to the latest UK Government Trade and Investment Factsheet.

The report shows that UK exports to Sierra Leone grew sharply to £81 million, a 24.6 percent rise (£16 million) year-on-year.

Goods exports accounted for £41 million—an increase of £6 million (17.1 percent)—while services exports stood at £40 million, representing a significant 33.3 percent rise (£10 million).

By contrast, UK imports from Sierra Leone fell to £16 million, a steep 33.3 percent drop (£8 million) over the same period. Goods imports shrank to just £1 million, down by 80 percent (£4 million), while imports of services dropped by 21.1 percent (£4 million) to £15 million.

This shift left the UK with a trade surplus of £65 million, up from £41 million in the previous year.

What it means for Sierra Leone

The imbalance highlights Sierra Leone’s limited export performance to one of its long-standing partners. The fall in goods exports—mainly agricultural produce such as fruits and vegetables, plus machinery and light manufacturing—means the country is earning less foreign exchange from the UK market. This decline could strain Sierra Leone’s already fragile balance of payments, especially at a time when the country depends heavily on imports of refined goods, pharmaceuticals, and machinery to support its economy.

At the same time, the £81 million in imports from the UK reflects Sierra Leone’s continued reliance on foreign goods and services. While this trade brings in critical supplies like medicines, clothing, and machinery, it also increases Sierra Leone’s dependence on external markets, adding pressure on domestic industries that struggle to compete.

On investment, the factsheet shows that while the UK holds £68 million in Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Sierra Leone, Sierra Leone’s investment presence in the UK dropped sharply to £2 million, a 66.7 percent fall (£4 million) from 2022. This underscores the weak outward investment capacity of Sierra Leone’s economy and its marginal role as a global investor.

Economists warn that unless Sierra Leone strengthens its export base—by diversifying beyond raw commodities and boosting value-added industries—the widening trade gap could deepen, limiting growth opportunities.

Despite these challenges, the trade growth shows there is room for Sierra Leone to leverage its long-standing relationship with the UK to expand exports, attract more British investment, and negotiate fairer market access for its products.