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Burkina Faso Major Exports

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Burkina Faso, a landlocked country in West Africa, has a largely agrarian economy. Agriculture, mining, and livestock are key sectors that drive the country’s exports. While Burkina Faso’s economy has seen some diversification, it remains heavily reliant on a few primary commodities, which contribute significantly to its export revenue. Among these are gold, cotton, and agricultural products, including livestock and foodstuffs.

Mineral Exports

Gold

Gold is by far Burkina Faso’s most significant export, with the country being one of Africa’s leading gold producers. Over the past decade, the mining industry has rapidly expanded, with several large gold mines now operating in the country. Gold exports account for the majority of Burkina Faso’s export revenue, with international demand primarily from markets in Europe and Asia.

  • Key Export Destinations: The largest importers of Burkina Faso’s gold are Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and India.
  • Export Characteristics: The gold is exported in its raw, unrefined form, although there is a growing effort to increase local processing in the coming years.

Trade Value:

  • Gold exports account for approximately $1.6 billion USD annually, making it Burkina Faso’s leading export commodity.

Other Minerals

In addition to gold, Burkina Faso also exports other minerals, although in smaller quantities. The country has significant potential in other mineral sectors, such as zinc, manganese, and limestone. These resources contribute to both industrial development and export revenue.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main destinations for Burkina Faso’s other mineral exports are regional markets in West Africa and international destinations, such as China.
  • Export Characteristics: The country exports these minerals primarily in raw form for processing overseas.

Trade Value:

  • Exports of other minerals, including zinc and manganese, contribute approximately $150 million USD annually to Burkina Faso’s export economy.

Agricultural Exports

Cotton

Cotton is another major export product for Burkina Faso, with the country being one of the largest cotton producers in Africa. Cotton plays a central role in the country’s agricultural sector, providing employment for millions of farmers. Burkina Faso is heavily dependent on cotton exports to sustain its economy, although the industry faces challenges such as fluctuating global cotton prices and production issues.

  • Key Export Destinations: The main markets for Burkina Faso’s cotton are China, Turkey, and the European Union.
  • Export Characteristics: Burkina Faso exports cotton primarily in raw form, although some cotton is processed into textiles locally before export.

Trade Value:

  • Cotton exports contribute around $550 million USD annually to Burkina Faso’s export revenue.

Animal Products

Burkina Faso is also known for its livestock and animal products, particularly cattle, sheep, goats, and camels. The country’s livestock farming sector is one of the oldest and most important agricultural industries in the region. The export of live animals and animal products such as hides and skins represents a key part of the country’s agrarian export base.

  • Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries such as Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Mali are the largest importers of Burkina Faso’s livestock and animal products.
  • Export Characteristics: The livestock trade includes the export of live animals, particularly cattle and goats, as well as processed products like leather goods and animal skins.

Trade Value:

  • Animal product exports, including live animals and leather, account for about $100 million USD annually.

Cereals and Legumes

Cereals, including millet, maize, and sorghum, as well as legumes such as beans and cowpeas, are other key agricultural exports from Burkina Faso. These products are produced by smallholder farmers and are essential for the livelihoods of many rural communities. While much of the agricultural output is consumed domestically, Burkina Faso also relies on regional export markets to sustain this industry.

  • Key Export Destinations: The primary export markets for cereals and legumes are neighboring countries like Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Niger.
  • Export Characteristics: These exports are mainly raw, although some local processing occurs in the form of dried and packaged products.

Trade Value:

  • Cereal and legume exports contribute approximately $200 million USD annually to Burkina Faso’s export revenue.

Livestock and Animal By-products

Hides and Skins

Burkina Faso is also known for its production and export of hides and skins, especially from cattle. Leather processing is a growing industry, and the export of finished leather products has seen an increase in recent years, with the potential for further growth.

  • Key Export Destinations: Major importers of Burkina Faso’s leather products include China, Italy, and France.
  • Export Characteristics: Exports include both raw hides and finished leather products, such as shoes, bags, and other leather goods.

Trade Value:

  • Leather products and hides contribute around $50 million USD annually to the export economy.

Textile Exports

Cotton Textiles

Given Burkina Faso’s substantial cotton production, textiles and garments are emerging as important export sectors. The country is investing in cotton processing to add value to its cotton exports, transforming it into yarn and fabric. This value-added production has the potential to diversify Burkina Faso’s export portfolio.

  • Key Export Destinations: The European Union and regional markets are major destinations for Burkina Faso’s cotton textiles.
  • Export Characteristics: Burkina Faso exports cotton textiles and garments, primarily in raw or semi-processed forms.

Trade Value:

  • Cotton textiles contribute around $50 million USD annually to the export economy.

Food Products

Shea Butter

Shea butter is one of Burkina Faso’s most significant exports in the food and cosmetics sectors. The country is one of the largest producers of shea nuts, which are processed into shea butter used in cosmetics, skin care products, and food items. The sector has seen significant growth in recent years, with more investment in processing and export infrastructure.

  • Key Export Destinations: The United States, the European Union, and Asia are the main markets for Burkinabe shea butter.
  • Export Characteristics: Burkina Faso exports raw and processed shea butter, which is used for its moisturizing properties in cosmetic products.

Trade Value:

  • Shea butter exports generate approximately $100 million USD annually.

Other Food Products

Burkina Faso also exports other food products, such as groundnuts (peanuts), dried fruits, and processed foods. These products are typically sold in regional and international markets, contributing to the country’s agricultural export revenue.

  • Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as well as the European Union, are key markets for these products.
  • Export Characteristics: Exports include groundnuts, dried fruits, and value-added products like peanut butter and snacks.

Trade Value:

  • Food product exports contribute around $70 million USD annually.

Burkina Faso’s export economy remains largely driven by its agricultural and mineral sectors, with gold being the largest contributor to foreign exchange earnings. The country is also working to diversify its exports, particularly through the development of its textile industry, and by increasing the processing of its agricultural products. With its agricultural base, mining potential, and growing industrial capacity, Burkina Faso is positioning itself to further strengthen its role in global trade.

Top Products Exported by Burkina Faso

Market Value: 902 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Top Products Exported by Burkina Faso

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Cotton 249,924 27.70 252.20
2 Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits 13,827 1.53 5.75
3 Dates 6,933 0.77 433.06
4 Gold 5,911 0.66 63.43
5 Cane Sugar 3,286 0.36 -77.35
6 Goat Leather – No Hair 2,692 0.30 -52.11
7 Leguminous Vegetables 1,992 0.22 -30.60
8 Cotton Yarn – > 85% 1,787 0.20 -32.74
9 Concentrated Milk & Cream 1,492 0.17 22,828.37
10 Natural Vegetable Fats & Oils 1,084 0.12 952.21
11 Sheep Skins – No Wool 1,010 0.11 -77.47
12 Polymers of Propylene & Other Olefins 942 0.10 0.00
13 Frozen Fish 855 0.09 0.00
14 Tomatoes 839 0.09 4,248.30
15 Sheep & Goats 603 0.07 2,711.18
16 Precious Metal Ores 585 0.06 0.00
17 Locust Beans 528 0.06 276.83
18 Furnishing Articles of Textile Materials 508 0.06 3,768.06
19 Chicken 501 0.06 2,349.38
20 Leguminous Vegetables 346 0.04 1,647.86
21 Cassava 340 0.04 375.40
22 Misc Fats & Oils 331 0.04 0.00
23 Furniture & Parts 311 0.03 595.40
24 Plants For Pharmacy 267 0.03 -1.87
25 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 264 0.03 1,342.98
26 Wood Marquetry 253 0.03 -20.66
27 Onions 216 0.02 352.81
28 Cows 210 0.02 21.90
29 Collectors Items of Botanic 204 0.02 37.17
30 Coconuts 202 0.02 225.67
31 Original Sculptures & Statues 149 0.02 93.21
32 Fresh Vegetables 118 0.01 1,154.61
33 Bells & Ornaments 117 0.01 -16.71
34 Wallpaper 113 0.01 0.00
35 Engine Parts 113 0.01 -48.74
36 Rice 100 0.01 57.74
37 Ships Derricks & Cranes 99 0.01 0.00
38 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 92 0.01 -37.56
39 Percussion Instruments 88 0.01 -53.31
40 Foliage 81 0.01 614.54
41 Ivory 78 0.01 -60.01
42 Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 76 0.01 1,504.77
43 Paint & Varnish 73 0.01 0.00
44 Basketwork 67 0.01 -61.41
45 Pulley Tackle & Hoists 57 0.01 0.00
46 Natural Gums 55 0.01 0.00
47 Plastic Containers 55 0.01 -77.26
48 Activated Carbon 54 0.01 0.00
49 Arcade, Table or Parlor Games 49 0.01 537.62
50 Seeds 46 0.01 592.05
51 Puzzles, Models & Toys 46 0.01 282.90
52 Food Preparations 42 0.00 -54.35
53 Aqueous Paint & Varnishes 41 0.00 0.00
54 Stranded Wire 41 0.00 0.00
55 Zinc Waste & Scrap 41 0.00 0.00
56 Preserved Fruit & Nuts 36 0.00 0.00
57 Prepared Fruit 36 0.00 725.73
58 Polymers of Styrene 35 0.00 1,832.66
59 Articles of Copper 35 0.00 19.05
60 Imitation Jewelry 35 0.00 25.81
61 Aircraft Parts 34 0.00 -2.87
62 Iron & Steel > 600Mm Wide – Cold 32 0.00 30.90
63 Articles of Cement 31 0.00 0.00
64 Articles of Iron & Steel 31 0.00 49.10
65 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 31 0.00 1,003.51
66 Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates 31 0.00 0.00
67 Jams & Jellies 28 0.00 -62.11
68 Pumps For Liquids 27 0.00 -19.38
69 Motor Vehicle Parts 26 0.00 91.10
70 Cast Iron Articles 26 0.00 351.59
71 Ceramic Statuettes 26 0.00 37.58
72 Medicines in Doses 24 0.00 -85.18
73 Notebooks & Business Forms 24 0.00 -35.25
74 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats 24 0.00 0.00
75 Semi Trucks & Tractors 23 0.00 0.00
76 Articles of Wood 21 0.00 -24.44
77 Glaziers Putty & Caulking 21 0.00 0.00
78 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 21 0.00 -43.29
79 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 20 0.00 -92.62
80 Insulated Wire & Cable 19 0.00 348.72
81 Survey Instruments 19 0.00 921.92
82 Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 18 0.00 -23.87
83 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Hot 18 0.00 144.85
84 Soap 17 0.00 -93.25
85 Wheel Toys 17 0.00 0.00
86 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 17 0.00 45.97
87 Articles of Plastics 16 0.00 282.80
88 Stainless Steel Bars & Rods – Angles 16 0.00 -52.64
89 Twine 16 0.00 0.00
90 Seats & Parts 16 0.00 -53.12
91 Testing Instruments 15 0.00 0.00
92 Leather Footwear 14 0.00 206.55
93 Cotton Waste 14 0.00 -94.29
94 Potatoes 14 0.00 402.32
95 Acyclic Alcohols 14 0.00 0.00
96 Passenger Vehicles 14 0.00 -92.81
97 Bras 13 0.00 0.00
98 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 13 0.00 -27.37
99 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 13 0.00 700.88
100 Anti-knock Preparations 13 0.00 0.00
101 Fruit & Vegetable Juice 12 0.00 270.04
102 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 12 0.00 -71.98
103 Buckwheat 11 0.00 -82.59
104 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 11 0.00 -25.11
105 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 11 0.00 0.00
106 Wood Sawn > 6 mm 11 0.00 637.67
107 Plastic Textile Fabrics 10 0.00 0.00
108 Non-Knit Track Suits 10 0.00 57.52
109 Measuring or Checking Instruments 9 0.00 -78.66
110 Dried Fruit 9 0.00 -13.13
111 Wood Packings 9 0.00 236.94
112 Leather Apparel & Accessories 9 0.00 -54.86
113 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 8 0.00 -35.60
114 Bed & Table Linen 8 0.00 -59.62
115 Other Animals 8 0.00 0.00
116 Motorcycles 8 0.00 -74.86
117 Dried Vegetables 8 0.00 -91.68
118 Raw Hides & Skins 8 0.00 -95.99
119 Demonstrational Instruments & Parts 8 0.00 0.00
120 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 8 0.00 358.27
121 Textile Wall Coverings 7 0.00 332.08
122 Electric Lasers 7 0.00 -19.43
123 Insecticides 7 0.00 -80.29
124 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 7 0.00 0.00
125 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 7 0.00 245.55
126 Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic < 170G/M2 6 0.00 0.00
127 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 6 0.00 -91.82
128 Knitted T-Shirts 6 0.00 338.65
129 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 6 0.00 -98.90
130 Trailers 6 0.00 -75.27
131 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 6 0.00 7.08
132 Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware 6 0.00 -34.89
133 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 6 0.00 -30.38
134 Books 6 0.00 -41.57
135 Peanuts 5 0.00 282.03
136 Electronic Integrated Circuits 5 0.00 576.65
137 Engines & Motors 5 0.00 -96.85
138 Hand Paintings & Drawings 5 0.00 -71.22
139 Live Plants 5 0.00 -55.64
140 Pig & Poultry Fat 5 0.00 0.00
141 Hand-Woven Tapestries 5 0.00 0.00
142 Hydraulic Turbines 5 0.00 165.11
143 Vinegar 5 0.00 0.00
144 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 5 0.00 106.37
145 Knitted Pantyhose 5 0.00 0.00
146 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 5 0.00 -11.25
147 Tomatoes Prepared & Preserved 4 0.00 -88.18
148 Office Paper 4 0.00 -86.72
149 Hand Tools 4 0.00 -35.35
150 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Slips 4 0.00 312.73
151 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 4 0.00 -97.65
152 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 4 0.00 -96.72
153 Diesel Engines 4 0.00 0.00
154 Frozen Fruit & Nuts 4 0.00 0.00
155 Rapeseed Oil 4 0.00 0.00
156 Printed Circuits 4 0.00 0.00
157 Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats 4 0.00 0.00
158 Blankets & Traveling Rugs 3 0.00 0.00
159 Records & Tapes 3 0.00 -66.32
160 Tobacco Substitutes 3 0.00 -97.83
161 Auxiliary Machinery For Textile Machines 3 0.00 0.00
162 Tea 3 0.00 116.57
163 Pictures & Photos 3 0.00 -99.01
164 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 3 0.00 176.59
165 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 3 0.00 -96.91
166 Cow & Horse Hides 3 0.00 -88.34
167 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 3 0.00 53.33
168 Nickel Powders & Flakes 3 0.00 33.14
169 Festive & Entertainment Art 3 0.00 -96.65
170 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 3 0.00 40.91
171 Textile Fabric 3 0.00 80.39
172 Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals 3 0.00 0.00
173 Non Crude Oil 2 0.00 31.92
174 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 2 0.00 200.37
175 Electric Motors & Generators 2 0.00 0.00
176 Prepared Vegetables 2 0.00 0.00
177 Animal Feed 2 0.00 0.00
178 Parts For Electric Equipment 2 0.00 -40.16
179 Knit &Lace Hats 2 0.00 -6.14
180 Carpentry of Wood 2 0.00 -78.75
181 Physical Exercise Equipment 2 0.00 53.58
182 Electromagnets 2 0.00 0.00
183 Wind Instruments 1 0.00 0.00
184 Knitted Womens & Girls Slips 1 0.00 0.00
185 Articles of Leather 1 0.00 -67.37
186 Checks & Stamps 1 0.00 -41.28
187 Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn 1 0.00 0.00
188 Cheese & Curd 1 0.00 0.00
189 Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps 1 0.00 -96.86
190 TV Receivers 1 0.00 -50.38
191 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 1 0.00 0.00
192 Glass Fibers & Articles 1 0.00 -55.62
193 Refined Copper & Alloys 1 0.00 33.19
194 Household Art & Parts 1 0.00 0.00
195 Melons & Papayas 1 0.00 -13.86
196 Cycle Parts & Assessories 1 0.00 -59.71
197 Citrus Fruit 1 0.00 -20.13
198 Ink 1 0.00 0.00
199 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 1 0.00 -72.82
200 Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters 1 0.00 0.00
201 Woven Fabric -Under 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 1 0.00 0.00
202 Computer & Office Machines Parts 1 0.00 -94.32
203 Personal Toilet Preparations 1 0.00 0.00
204 Woven Fabrics of Synthetic Staple Fibers 1 0.00 8.38
205 Sauces & Condiments 1 0.00 -87.20
206 Articles of Stone 1 0.00 -45.68
207 Sacks & Bags of Textile Material 1 0.00 -98.33
208 Electrical Resistors 1 0.00 0.00
209 Optical Lenses & Fibers 1 0.00 20.84
210 Refrigerators & Freezers 1 0.00 -99.81
211 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% < 200G/M2 1 0.00 -90.51
212 Knotted Carpets 1 0.00 0.00
213 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 1 0.00 -98.83
214 Knitted Sweaters 1 0.00 -99.31
215 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats 1 0.00 -96.90
216 Machinery For Working Rubber & Plastics 1 0.00 -90.99
217 Aircraft Engines 1 0.00 0.00
218 Knotted Net of Twine 1 0.00 0.00
219 Textile Wadding & Articles 0 0.00 0.00
220 Worked Ivory Articles 0 0.00 0.00
221 Machinery For Tobacco Preparation 0 0.00 0.00
222 Lead 0 0.00 -99.76
223 Shawls & Scarves 0 0.00 -95.68
224 Mineral Substances 0 0.00 0.00
225 String Musical Instruments 0 0.00 -28.21
226 Electric Light Equipment 0 0.00 -89.21
227 Compounded Rubber 0 0.00 0.00
228 Apricots 0 0.00 0.00
229 Woven Fabrics of Artificial Staple Fibers 0 0.00 -94.38
230 Radar Apparatus & Navigation 0 0.00 -99.81
231 Used & New Rags 0 0.00 0.00
232 Salted Meat & Edible Offal 0 0.00 0.00
233 Prepared & Preserved Meat 0 0.00 -97.47
234 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 0 0.00 0.00
235 Non Tufted Woven Carpets 0 0.00 -97.88
236 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 0 0.00 -92.27
237 Glass Mirrors 0 0.00 0.00
238 Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film 0 0.00 -99.80
239 Electronic Tubes 0 0.00 0.00
240 Woven Cotton Fabrics 0 0.00 -94.77
241 Battery Waste 0 0.00 0.00
242 Plastic & Rubber Footwear 0 0.00 -88.44
243 Curtains & Interior Blinds 0 0.00 -92.41
244 Machine Tools For Honing & Finishing Metal 0 0.00 0.00
245 Worn Clothing 0 0.00 -97.58
246 Articles of Aluminum 0 0.00 0.00
247 Primary Cells & Batteries 0 0.00 -99.99
248 Tanks – < 300 Liter 0 0.00 -99.86
249 Machine Tools For Drilling 0 0.00 -96.92
250 Coated Paper 0 0.00 -99.42
251 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 0 0.00 0.00
252 Bicycles 0 0.00 -96.03
253 Mattress Supports 0 0.00 -93.96
254 Transmission Belts of Vulcanized Rubber 0 0.00 -99.03
255 Knitted Garments 0 0.00 0.00
256 Natural Sands 0 0.00 0.00
257 Clays 0 0.00 -97.46
258 Glass Containers For Packing 0 0.00 -99.70
259 Handsaws & Metal Parts 0 0.00 0.00
260 Nuts 0 0.00 0.00
261 Dolls 0 0.00 -99.68
262 Microphones 0 0.00 -99.99
263 Electric Ignition Equipment 0 0.00 0.00
264 Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China 0 0.00 -96.84
265 Pebbles 0 0.00 -99.86
266 Safety Glass 0 0.00 -99.96

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