Benin Major Exports

Benin, located in West Africa, has a mixed economy with a growing reliance on agricultural exports, particularly cotton and various cash crops, alongside its role as a major trade hub due to its strategic location and port in Cotonou. The country has also seen growth in other export sectors, including petroleum products, textiles, and food products. Despite the challenges it faces, including limited industrialization and infrastructure constraints, Benin’s export sector plays a crucial role in driving its economic growth.

Agricultural Exports

Cotton

Benin is one of the leading cotton producers in West Africa. Cotton is the country’s top agricultural export, and the industry significantly contributes to Benin’s GDP. The country benefits from favorable climates and soils for cotton cultivation, which makes it a reliable cash crop for the region.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main markets for Benin’s cotton exports include China, India, and European Union countries.
  • Export Characteristics: Cotton is mostly exported as raw cotton, which is later processed in importing countries for use in textiles and apparel production.

Trade Value:

  • Cotton exports account for approximately $450 million USD annually, making it Benin’s largest export commodity.

Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are another important agricultural product for Benin. The country has become one of the top exporters of cashews in Africa, with significant growth in the sector. Cashew trees thrive in Benin’s climate, and the cashew industry has attracted considerable investment in processing facilities.

  • Key Export Destinations: Major markets for Benin’s cashews include India, Vietnam, the United States, and the European Union.
  • Export Characteristics: Benin exports both raw and processed cashew nuts, with processed cashews being the more lucrative product due to value addition.

Trade Value:

  • Cashew nut exports contribute about $300 million USD annually to Benin’s export revenue.

Cocoa

Cocoa is another important agricultural export from Benin, although it is not as dominant as cotton or cashews. The country is known for producing high-quality cocoa beans, which are used primarily in chocolate and other confectionery products.

  • Key Export Destinations: Benin’s cocoa exports are primarily sent to the United States, the European Union, and neighboring countries in West Africa.
  • Export Characteristics: Cocoa beans from Benin are often exported unprocessed, though there has been a push for more local processing to increase value-added exports.

Trade Value:

  • Cocoa exports contribute around $150 million USD annually to the economy of Benin.

Oil and Petroleum Products

Petroleum Products

Although Benin does not produce large quantities of crude oil, it imports refined petroleum products and re-exports them through the Port of Cotonou. The country serves as a major transit hub for oil products in the West African region, with refineries and storage facilities playing a vital role in its export trade.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main destinations for petroleum products from Benin include neighboring countries such as Togo, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali.
  • Export Characteristics: Benin exports refined petroleum products like gasoline, diesel, and kerosene, as well as lubricants and other oil derivatives.

Trade Value:

  • Petroleum products contribute approximately $350 million USD to Benin’s export revenue annually.

Textiles and Apparel

Cotton Textiles

As one of the leading cotton producers in Africa, Benin has started to export textiles and apparel made from domestically produced cotton. The textiles industry in Benin is growing, with various small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) involved in producing and exporting garments.

  • Key Export Destinations: The primary markets for Beninese textiles include neighboring countries in West Africa, the European Union, and the United States.
  • Export Characteristics: Benin exports cotton fabrics, garments, and other textile products, though the sector remains relatively small compared to other African textile exporters.

Trade Value:

  • Textiles and apparel contribute around $100 million USD annually to Benin’s exports.

Food and Beverage Products

Processed Food

Processed food is an important category in Benin’s export profile, with a focus on agricultural products like corn, rice, and palm oil. These food products are processed for both local consumption and international markets.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main markets for Beninese processed food products include countries in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, as well as the European Union and the United States.
  • Export Characteristics: The processed food sector includes a range of products, such as canned fruits, grains, and palm oil, which are widely used for cooking and food manufacturing.

Trade Value:

  • Processed food products generate approximately $100 million USD in export revenue annually.

Palm Oil

Palm oil is another significant export for Benin, particularly for food manufacturing and personal care products. The country has a favorable climate for palm oil cultivation, and the sector has grown significantly in recent years.

  • Key Export Destinations: Benin exports palm oil mainly to Nigeria, other West African countries, and European markets.
  • Export Characteristics: Benin exports both crude and processed palm oil, which is used in cooking and manufacturing industries.

Trade Value:

  • Palm oil exports contribute around $70 million USD annually to the country’s export economy.

Metal and Mineral Exports

Gold

Benin has a small but growing gold mining industry, which has seen increased foreign investment in recent years. Although the country’s gold production is not as high as other African nations, it plays a significant role in its export sector.

  • Key Export Destinations: The primary markets for Benin’s gold exports are India, the United Arab Emirates, and other countries in the Middle East.
  • Export Characteristics: Gold is mostly exported as raw gold, although there is potential for further value addition through refining and jewelry production.

Trade Value:

  • Gold exports contribute approximately $50 million USD annually to Benin’s export revenue.

Cement and Construction Materials

Benin also exports some cement and construction materials to neighboring countries as the demand for infrastructure development grows in West Africa. The cement industry is growing steadily, supported by an increase in construction activities in the region.

  • Key Export Destinations: Benin’s cement exports mainly go to Togo, Niger, and Burkina Faso.
  • Export Characteristics: These exports include cement and clinker, used for building and infrastructure projects.

Trade Value:

  • Cement exports contribute around $40 million USD to Benin’s export economy annually.

Other Exports

Live Animals

Benin is involved in the export of live animals, including cattle, sheep, and goats, primarily for the West African market. The country has a strong tradition of livestock farming, and the trade of live animals is an important part of the agricultural economy.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main markets for live animal exports include neighboring countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo.
  • Export Characteristics: Benin exports animals primarily for meat production, with a focus on cattle and small ruminants.

Trade Value:

  • Live animal exports contribute around $20 million USD annually to the export economy.

Benin’s export sector is highly dependent on its agricultural base, particularly cotton, cashews, and cocoa. However, there is a growing focus on diversifying exports with petroleum products, processed food, and textiles. The country’s role as a trade hub for West Africa, with the Port of Cotonou being one of the most important in the region, is key to its export success. While Benin faces challenges in industrializing its economy, its natural resources and strategic location position it well for continued export growth.

Top Products Exported by Benin

Market Value: 717 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Top Products Exported by Benin

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Cotton 115,903 16.15 28.86
2 Copper Waste & Scrap 55,110 7.68 32,087.60
3 Non Crude Oil 28,877 4.02 8,758.09
4 Cigars & Cigarettes 10,686 1.49 329.48
5 Cane Sugar 6,317 0.88 0.00
6 Oilcake From Fats 4,936 0.69 -10.43
7 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 4,152 0.58 0.00
8 Dates 2,539 0.35 73.91
9 Wood, Continuously Shaped (Tongued or Grooved 1,916 0.27 41.05
10 Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits 1,797 0.25 -65.17
11 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 1,448 0.20 699.65
12 Wood Sawn > 6 mm 1,292 0.18 16.31
13 Shell Fish 845 0.12 -75.07
14 Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 823 0.11 -1.49
15 Medicines in Doses 438 0.06 226.54
16 Ginger, Thyme & Spices 387 0.05 0.00
17 Nickel Waste & Scrap 268 0.04 0.00
18 Passenger Vehicles 213 0.03 337.18
19 Quartz 152 0.02 0.00
20 Vegetable Products 147 0.02 224.08
21 Plywood 125 0.02 -67.55
22 Paper Labels 124 0.02 0.00
23 Carpentry of Wood 123 0.02 54.24
24 Other Animals 116 0.02 -84.10
25 Furniture & Parts 112 0.02 20.60
26 Semi Trucks & Tractors 100 0.01 4,838.71
27 Cassava 94 0.01 401.48
28 Original Sculptures & Statues 81 0.01 0.00
29 Natural Vegetable Fats & Oils 77 0.01 25.66
30 Molluscs 69 0.01 2,276.61
31 Wood Marquetry 69 0.01 51.39
32 Granite 67 0.01 -9.75
33 Cotton Waste 66 0.01 -80.16
34 Prepared Vegetables 63 0.01 6,557.16
35 Ivory 58 0.01 -6.99
36 Wire & Rods 58 0.01 -41.86
37 Imitation Jewelry 51 0.01 -52.69
38 Trucks 51 0.01 -91.96
39 Motor Vehicle Parts 51 0.01 1,386.12
40 Plants For Pharmacy 48 0.01 1,169.20
41 Soap 46 0.01 -73.88
42 Lumber 46 0.01 -99.19
43 Tapioca 44 0.01 0.00
44 Wigs of Hair 43 0.01 1,818.61
45 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 39 0.01 -0.66
46 Flour & Meal 37 0.01 -22.91
47 Books 36 0.00 27.98
48 Knitted Sweaters 35 0.00 0.00
49 Moving & Grading Machinery 34 0.00 -65.17
50 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 33 0.00 280.30
51 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 32 0.00 1,397.84
52 Chicken 32 0.00 8.83
53 Fresh Fish 31 0.00 12.43
54 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 31 0.00 -58.23
55 Plastic & Rubber Footwear 29 0.00 -39.76
56 Seats & Parts 26 0.00 619.55
57 Battery Waste 26 0.00 0.00
58 Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware 24 0.00 0.00
59 Motorcycles 23 0.00 47.99
60 Setts & Curbstones 21 0.00 465.70
61 Starches 21 0.00 0.00
62 Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics 20 0.00 0.00
63 Hand Paintings & Drawings 20 0.00 312.81
64 Alcoholic Beverages 18 0.00 125.45
65 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 17 0.00 1,850.40
66 Nuts 16 0.00 -88.65
67 Non Sweetened Waters 16 0.00 38.34
68 Ink Jet Printers 15 0.00 0.00
69 Pictures & Photos 14 0.00 1,509.91
70 Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony 14 0.00 0.00
71 Mattress Supports 14 0.00 6.77
72 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 13 0.00 239.95
73 Candy 13 0.00 -66.94
74 Lead Plates 13 0.00 0.00
75 Buckwheat 13 0.00 -83.64
76 Articles of Plastics 13 0.00 438.06
77 New Pneumatic Tires 12 0.00 -39.76
78 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 12 0.00 33.54
79 Worn Clothing 12 0.00 -96.62
80 Household Art & Parts 11 0.00 -40.90
81 Non-Knit Babies Garments & Accessories 11 0.00 0.00
82 Bed & Table Linen 10 0.00 -12.42
83 Misc Headgear 10 0.00 0.00
84 Lead Waste & Scrap 9 0.00 0.00
85 Gold 9 0.00 -88.47
86 Pepper 9 0.00 -35.16
87 Hand Tools 8 0.00 0.00
88 Wine 8 0.00 0.00
89 Tarps, Sails & Tents 8 0.00 0.00
90 Non-Knit Track Suits 8 0.00 -11.57
91 Monument Stone Articles 8 0.00 0.00
92 Peanuts 8 0.00 0.00
93 Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 8 0.00 -96.13
94 Other Pharmaceutical Goods 7 0.00 0.00
95 Engine Parts 7 0.00 55.51
96 Pumps For Liquids 7 0.00 -38.21
97 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 7 0.00 22.19
98 Notebooks & Business Forms 7 0.00 -80.22
99 Bells & Ornaments 7 0.00 82.86
100 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 7 0.00 451.96
101 Leguminous Vegetables 7 0.00 0.00
102 Palm Oil 6 0.00 0.00
103 Pebbles 6 0.00 0.00
104 Densified Wood Blocks 6 0.00 7.94
105 Measuring or Checking Instruments 6 0.00 0.00
106 Glass Envelopes 6 0.00 0.00
107 Embroidery in the Piece 6 0.00 0.00
108 Candles 5 0.00 213.33
109 Air & Vacuum Pumps 5 0.00 89.29
110 Hair Preparations 5 0.00 76.08
111 Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn 5 0.00 -95.74
112 Misc Fats & Oils 5 0.00 -7.06
113 Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels 5 0.00 0.00
114 TV Receivers 5 0.00 -69.71
115 Computer & Office Machines Parts 5 0.00 20.09
116 Electronic Integrated Circuits 5 0.00 -72.22
117 Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates 5 0.00 5.26
118 Glazed Ceramic Flags & Paving 4 0.00 -39.82
119 Trailers 4 0.00 -74.75
120 Checks & Stamps 4 0.00 -58.44
121 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% < 200G/M2 4 0.00 -10.64
122 Ceramic Statuettes 4 0.00 -61.81
123 Insulated Wire & Cable 4 0.00 0.00
124 Paint & Varnish 4 0.00 -98.43
125 Medical, Dental & Vet Furniture 4 0.00 0.00
126 Collectors Items of Botanic 4 0.00 62.68
127 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 4 0.00 -22.66
128 Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic < 170G/M2 4 0.00 -94.27
129 Turntables & Cassette Players 3 0.00 0.00
130 Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters 3 0.00 -24.40
131 Machine Tools For Shaping 3 0.00 0.00
132 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 3 0.00 -23.88
133 Basketwork 3 0.00 0.00
134 Aluminum Plates 3 0.00 0.00
135 Wood Packings 3 0.00 417.33
136 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 3 0.00 -66.97
137 Knitted Womens & Girls Slips 3 0.00 0.00
138 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 3 0.00 0.00
139 Articles of Wood 3 0.00 -94.66
140 Ink 3 0.00 0.00
141 Records & Tapes 3 0.00 0.00
142 Childrens Picture Books 2 0.00 0.00
143 Ethyl Alcohol > 80% 2 0.00 -35.65
144 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 2 0.00 135.10
145 Newspapers 2 0.00 0.00
146 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 2 0.00 0.00
147 Misc Tools 2 0.00 0.00
148 Dried Vegetables 2 0.00 0.00
149 Glass Containers For Packing 2 0.00 0.00
150 Special Purpose Motor Vehicles 2 0.00 0.00
151 Products of Plaiting Materials 2 0.00 -63.03
152 Plastic Household Articles 2 0.00 -50.62
153 Electric Storage Batteries 2 0.00 0.00
154 Precious & Semiprecious Stones 2 0.00 94.55
155 Woven Fabrics of Artificial Staple Fibers 2 0.00 0.00
156 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 2 0.00 0.00
157 Handtools & Tools Used in Agriculture 1 0.00 0.00
158 Apparatus For Photo Labs 1 0.00 -75.33
159 Pharmaceutical Articles of Rubber 1 0.00 0.00
160 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 1 0.00 -95.85
161 Percussion Instruments 1 0.00 -71.35
162 Arcade, Table or Parlor Games 1 0.00 32.76
163 Leather Footwear 1 0.00 -78.62
164 Electric Motors & Generators 1 0.00 0.00
165 Other Footwear 1 0.00 -94.67
166 Combed Cotton 1 0.00 -98.46
167 Sanitary & Toiletry Paper 1 0.00 -99.15
168 Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials 1 0.00 -33.51
169 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 1 0.00 0.00
170 Shawls & Scarves 1 0.00 -94.69
171 Tomatoes 1 0.00 0.00
172 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 1 0.00 0.00
173 Piston Engines 1 0.00 -18.11
174 Articles of Copper 1 0.00 0.00
175 Parts For Machine Tools 1 0.00 0.00
176 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 1 0.00 -95.07
177 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 1 0.00 0.00
178 Ash & Slag 1 0.00 0.00
179 Electric Ignition Equipment 1 0.00 0.00
180 Tanks – > 300 Liter 1 0.00 -96.64
181 Microphones 1 0.00 0.00
182 Knitted Garments 1 0.00 0.00
183 Refrigerators & Freezers 1 0.00 -91.02
184 Essent Oils Resinoid 1 0.00 0.00
185 Photo Plates & Film 1 0.00 -97.47
186 Filters & Centrifuges 1 0.00 0.00
187 Coconut Oil 1 0.00 -96.78
188 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 1 0.00 0.00
189 Waterproof Footwear 1 0.00 0.00
190 Knitted T-Shirts 1 0.00 -47.35
191 Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas 1 0.00 -97.34
192 Retread & Used Tires 1 0.00 -94.94
193 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 1 0.00 0.00
194 Cabbages 1 0.00 0.00
195 Diesel Engines 1 0.00 -87.76
196 Electric Lasers 1 0.00 -43.24
197 Prepared Glues & Adhesives 1 0.00 0.00
198 Household Articles 1 0.00 -86.31
199 Ceramic Sinks 1 0.00 0.00
200 Resin Carving Material 1 0.00 -92.30
201 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 1 0.00 0.00
202 Engines & Motors 1 0.00 0.00
203 Stoves 1 0.00 0.00
204 Articles of Iron & Steel 0 0.00 -93.93
205 Corn 0 0.00 -99.69
206 Electromech Domestic Appliances 0 0.00 -70.82
207 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 0 0.00 0.00
208 Made-Up Clothes Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
209 Water Heaters 0 0.00 0.00
210 Physical Exercise Equipment 0 0.00 -57.76
211 Plastic Containers 0 0.00 -98.82
212 Inner Tubes For Tires 0 0.00 0.00
213 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 0 0.00 -60.94
214 Tools For Working in the Hand 0 0.00 0.00
215 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% > 200G/M2 0 0.00 0.00
216 Electric Capacitors 0 0.00 0.00
217 Knitted Mens & Boys Underpants 0 0.00 -78.75
218 Chocolate 0 0.00 -98.89
219 Food Preparations 0 0.00 -99.22
220 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 0 0.00 0.00
221 Puzzles, Models & Toys 0 0.00 -79.65
222 Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper 0 0.00 0.00
223 Watches 0 0.00 0.00
224 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 0 0.00 -97.41
225 Knit &Lace Hats 0 0.00 0.00
226 Cereal Flours 0 0.00 -98.95
227 Printed Circuits 0 0.00 0.00
228 Weighing Machines 0 0.00 -98.40
229 Calendars 0 0.00 -95.73
230 Knotted Net of Twine 0 0.00 0.00
231 Photographic Still Cameras 0 0.00 0.00
232 Primary Cells & Batteries 0 0.00 -99.77
233 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 0 0.00 0.00
234 Air Conditioners 0 0.00 0.00
235 Padlocks 0 0.00 -97.78
236 Printed Paper, In Rolls or Sheets 0 0.00 -99.66
237 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 0 0.00 -97.21
238 Brooms & Mops 0 0.00 0.00
239 Clays 0 0.00 0.00
240 Vacuum Flasks & Vessels 0 0.00 0.00
241 Tableware & Kitchenware 0 0.00 -99.13
242 Soft Drinks 0 0.00 0.00
243 Prepared & Preserved Fish 0 0.00 -99.90
244 Prepared & Preserved Meat 0 0.00 0.00
245 Sacks & Bags of Textile Material 0 0.00 -99.94