Buying and selling are essential for any country to develop its economy and maintain good relations with other nations. The first table below shows top trading partners of Sao Tome and Principe in terms of export sales (selling), including Portugal and Netherlands. The second lists top trade partners of Sao Tome and Principe regarding import total (buying). That is, most products are imported from these countries to Sao Tome and Principe.
Sao Tome and Principe Major Exports
Market Value: 4 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2019
| Rank | Country (Exports To) | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) |
| 1 | Portugal | 2,402 | 60.28 |
| 2 | Netherlands | 1,583 | 39.72 |
Sao Tome and Principe Major Imports
Market Value: 23 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2019
| Rank | Country (Imports From) | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) |
| 1 | Portugal | 18,380 | 80.41 |
| 2 | Nigeria | 2,352 | 10.29 |
| 3 | Thailand | 2,126 | 9.30 |