Scaling Up Yemeni Exports

Yemen’s export sector, long weakened by structural issues, has collapsed due to the ongoing conflict, with exports dropping 90% between 2013 and 2023—mainly from disruptions to oil and gas, which once accounted for 80% of export revenues. Though non-hydrocarbon exports like coffee, honey, fish, fruits, and vegetables have gained relative importance, they remain limited in absolute value due to persistent challenges in governance, infrastructure, finance, technical capacity, and women’s participation. Despite their small export share, these sectors play a vital role in employment and local development. Reviving the sector requires a two-pronged strategy: restarting oil and gas exports in the short term for macroeconomic stability, while developing a diversified, resilient, and inclusive export economy over the longer term.