DAR ES SALAAM, July 31 -- IMPORTS of goods and services rose to 17.69 billion US dollars in the year ending May, up from 16.14 billion US dollars the previous year, driven mainly by increased imports of industrial transport equipment, raw materials and freight payments.

The latest Bank of Tanzania (BoT) monthly economic review indicates that higher imports of industrial transport equipment and raw materials reflect expanding infrastructure and manufacturing sectors, potentially boosting job creation and supply chains.

Additionally, increased freight payments highlight greater trade volumes and connectivity with international markets, which are crucial for sustaining economic development.

However, this trend also calls for careful monit...