Côte d’Ivoire’s agricultural and related imports exceeded $2 billion in 2017, a new record for a nation in the midst of rapid economic growth. Meanwhile, beyond cocoa exports, its bilateral agricultural trade with the United States remains low, despite a number of growth sectors and potential for American products. High transport costs and established trading partners are factors that contribute to this low level of bilateral agricultural trade.
However, robust growth and ambitious infrastructure investments will erode these limitations, growing the consumer base and increasing market linkages. U.S. agricultural exports to Côte d’Ivoire are up 33% in 2018, largely on rice trade, but multiple product categories merit consideration for increased commercial engagement.
In 2017, Côte d’Ivoire’s total agricultural and related imports reached a record $2.06 billion, which represents growth of 33% over the last decade. As one of the most dynamic economies in Sub-Saharan Africa and the world, with rapidly growing market linkages, it is an intriguing prospective market and an access point to much of West Africa.
To date, the European Union (EU) and several emerging suppliers satisfy the growing demand for imported food and agricultural goods. While U.S. agricultural exports to Côte d’Ivoire also increased over the last decade from $15.24 million in 2008 to $21.61 million in 2017, U.S. market share remained stagnant at around 1%. 2018 year-to-date (Jan-Aug) U.S. exports to Côte d’Ivoire are up 33% from the prior year. At current pace, U.S. exports in 2018 would capture a slightly larger share of the country’s total agricultural import value, which is also up 11% year-to-year.
