The Angolan balance of trade has a high positive balance which increased continually over the period 2005-2008. This situation results mainly from oil exports which represent around 96% of global external sales. Angola is a great exporter in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa and, on a global level, the country occupied 46th place in 2008, equivalent to 0,4% of worlds exports.

As and importer, the country is in 72nd place in the world ranking and this translates into 0.1% of total imports. Exports are dominated by oil and its strong prices and production levels will be maintained, with Angol's production capacity at this level still below its potential.

It is also hoped that the export of natural gas will become and important factor in trade between and important factor in trade between Angola and the rest of the world.