Exports:
* Ivory: A highly prized commodity, ivory was obtained from elephants hunted in the interior of Africa.
* Gold: Gold was mined in various regions of East Africa and was a major source of wealth for the Swahili city-states.
* Slaves: Sadly, the slave trade was a significant part of the Swahili economy. People from the interior of Africa were captured and sold as slaves, primarily to the Middle East and other parts of the Indian Ocean.
* Timber: Swahili cities produced high-quality timber, which was used for construction and shipbuilding.
* Iron and Copper: These metals were mined in the interior and traded along the Swahili coast.
* Animal skins and hides: These were used for clothing, leather goods, and other purposes.
* Textiles: Swahili weavers produced high-quality cotton and silk textiles, some of which were exported to other parts of the Indian Ocean.
* Seashells: Seashells were used for decorative purposes and were also traded for other goods.
Imports:
* Textiles: The Swahili city-states imported fine cotton and silk textiles from India, Persia, and the Middle East.
* Ceramics: They imported pottery and porcelain from China, Persia, and the Middle East.
* Glassware: Glassware was another imported item from the Middle East and India.
* Spices: Swahili traders imported spices like cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg from the East Indies.
* Metals: They also imported copper and iron from other regions.
* Horses: Horses were imported from the Middle East, primarily for riding and warfare.
* Pearls: Pearls were a luxury item imported from the Persian Gulf.
This trade network was crucial to the prosperity and development of the Swahili city-states. The exchange of goods and ideas also led to the development of a unique Swahili culture and language, a blend of African and Arab influences.