Central African Republic Major Exports
The Central African Republic (CAR) is a landlocked country in Central Africa with a relatively small but developing economy. Its major exports are primarily centered around natural resources, including minerals, agricultural products, and timber. Despite challenges such as political instability and infrastructural limitations, the Central African Republic’s exports continue to form the backbone of its economy, with key trade partners across Africa, Asia, and Europe. The country’s exports are vital for sustaining its balance of payments and providing income for the government.
Mineral Resources
Diamonds
Diamonds are the Central African Republic’s most significant export, making up a large portion of the country’s export revenue. CAR is rich in diamond deposits, particularly in the northeastern and southeastern parts of the country. The diamond mining industry plays a crucial role in the national economy, though it is often impacted by illegal mining and conflict. Most of the country’s diamonds are exported in rough form, though some are cut and polished locally.
- Key Export Destinations: The majority of CAR’s diamond exports go to international markets, particularly in the United Arab Emirates, India, and Belgium.
- Export Characteristics: Rough diamonds are the primary export, although the cut and polished diamond trade has been growing.
Trade Value:
- Diamond exports are valued at approximately $150 million USD annually, making them the largest contributor to CAR’s export economy.
Gold
Gold mining is another important sector for CAR’s exports, although it is less developed than diamond mining. The country is known to have substantial gold reserves, with artisanal mining being common in various parts of the country. Gold exports play a key role in CAR’s economy, with increasing production and exportation in recent years.
- Key Export Destinations: Gold exports are largely directed toward international markets, including the United Arab Emirates and neighboring countries in Africa.
- Export Characteristics: The export of gold is mostly in the form of raw or semi-processed materials, often through informal channels.
Trade Value:
- Gold exports contribute around $100 million USD annually to the Central African Republic’s export sector.
Agricultural Products
Cotton
Cotton is one of CAR’s most important agricultural exports, playing a significant role in the country’s agricultural economy. The country has favorable climatic conditions for cotton cultivation, particularly in the southern and western regions. Cotton production is concentrated in rural areas, where it provides employment for a large portion of the population.
- Key Export Destinations: The primary markets for Central African cotton include European countries, as well as neighboring African nations.
- Export Characteristics: The majority of cotton exported is in raw form, although some is processed into textiles locally.
Trade Value:
- Cotton exports are valued at approximately $50 million USD annually.
Coffee and Cocoa
Coffee and cocoa are other significant agricultural exports for the Central African Republic. The country’s tropical climate is conducive to the cultivation of high-quality coffee and cocoa, which are produced primarily by smallholder farmers. Both coffee and cocoa are important cash crops, with CAR’s production systems often benefiting from traditional farming techniques.
- Key Export Destinations: Coffee and cocoa from CAR are typically exported to European markets, particularly France, and increasingly to the Middle East.
- Export Characteristics: Both commodities are mostly exported in raw form, although some cocoa is processed into chocolate products.
Trade Value:
- Coffee and cocoa exports contribute around $60 million USD annually to the Central African Republic’s economy.
Timber and Forest Products
Timber
Timber is another key export sector for the Central African Republic, which has vast forest resources covering much of its territory. The timber industry has been a source of revenue for the country, with CAR producing both hardwoods and softwoods. The country exports timber to various international markets, although concerns about illegal logging and deforestation are significant.
- Key Export Destinations: Major markets for CAR’s timber exports include China, France, and other European countries.
- Export Characteristics: The export of timber is dominated by raw logs and unprocessed wood, although some semi-processed wood products such as plywood and planks are also shipped abroad.
Trade Value:
- Timber exports contribute about $80 million USD annually to the country’s export revenues.
Other Forest Products
In addition to timber, CAR exports various other forest products, including charcoal and wood-based products. These exports provide vital resources for local livelihoods and contribute to the national economy, particularly in rural areas.
- Key Export Destinations: These forest products are mainly exported to regional African markets and, to a lesser extent, European countries.
- Export Characteristics: Charcoal and wood products are typically shipped in bulk, with some exports processed into more refined products.
Trade Value:
- Other forest products contribute approximately $30 million USD annually.
Livestock and Animal Products
Hides and Skins
Hides and skins, especially from cattle and goats, are an important part of CAR’s export economy. The leather industry is relatively underdeveloped but continues to contribute to exports, with local tanneries processing hides for export markets. Leather products such as shoes, belts, and bags are also exported, although at a smaller scale.
- Key Export Destinations: The hides and skins are mostly exported to European markets, such as France and Italy, which are known for their high demand for raw materials for leather goods production.
- Export Characteristics: Exports consist mostly of raw hides and semi-processed leather, with some finished leather goods exported as well.
Trade Value:
- Hides and skins exports contribute approximately $25 million USD annually.
Other Animal Products
In addition to hides, the Central African Republic exports various animal products, including meat and dairy products. These are less significant compared to other export categories but are nonetheless important for local farmers and the country’s trade.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries in Central Africa are the primary markets for these products.
- Export Characteristics: Exports include processed meats, such as beef and goat meat, as well as some dairy products.
Trade Value:
- Other animal product exports contribute around $15 million USD annually to CAR’s export economy.
Miscellaneous Exports
Handicrafts and Artisanal Goods
CAR also exports a variety of handicrafts and artisanal goods, including traditional wood carvings, textiles, and jewelry. These products, often made from locally sourced materials, are important for both domestic culture and foreign markets.
- Key Export Destinations: The United States, France, and other countries in Europe and Africa are major markets for these handmade goods.
- Export Characteristics: These exports are typically small in volume but offer high value relative to their weight, representing an important cultural export for CAR.
Trade Value:
- Exports of handicrafts contribute approximately $10 million USD annually.
The Central African Republic’s export economy is driven primarily by its rich natural resources, including diamonds, gold, and timber. Agriculture also plays a key role, with cotton, coffee, and cocoa being vital products. Despite challenges related to infrastructure, security, and governance, CAR’s exports remain crucial for the country’s economic stability and growth, contributing to employment and revenue generation in a challenging environment.
Top Products Exported by Central African Republic
Market Value: 271 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Diamonds | 36,450 | 13.47 | -71.29 |
| 2 | Lumber | 26,992 | 9.98 | -0.88 |
| 3 | Cotton | 9,515 | 3.52 | -14.51 |
| 4 | Wood Sawn > 6 mm | 9,299 | 3.44 | 10.47 |
| 5 | Coffee | 1,280 | 0.47 | -50.29 |
| 6 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 898 | 0.33 | 0.00 |
| 7 | Vegetable Waxes | 773 | 0.29 | 76.05 |
| 8 | Coal | 575 | 0.21 | 0.00 |
| 9 | Medicines in Doses | 433 | 0.16 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Iron & Steel Bars & Rods – Irregular Coils | 406 | 0.15 | 0.00 |
| 11 | Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals | 353 | 0.13 | 0.00 |
| 12 | Veneer Sheets | 254 | 0.09 | 639.58 |
| 13 | Fresh Beef | 206 | 0.08 | 1,183.81 |
| 14 | Cigars & Cigarettes | 179 | 0.07 | -78.44 |
| 15 | Ivory | 175 | 0.06 | 47.84 |
| 16 | Synthetic Filament Yarn | 148 | 0.05 | 0.00 |
| 17 | Gold | 129 | 0.05 | 356.73 |
| 18 | Filters & Centrifuges | 113 | 0.04 | 61.59 |
| 19 | Collectors Items of Botanic | 106 | 0.04 | 418.13 |
| 20 | Citrus Fruit | 101 | 0.04 | -1.15 |
| 21 | Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Hot | 96 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 22 | Cocoa Powder | 83 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 23 | Grapes | 80 | 0.03 | 993.23 |
| 24 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 | 74 | 0.03 | 393.64 |
| 25 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 58 | 0.02 | 6,000.53 |
| 26 | Parts For Machine Tools | 54 | 0.02 | 159.34 |
| 27 | Cocoa | 43 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 28 | Articles of Plastics | 43 | 0.02 | 248.05 |
| 29 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 43 | 0.02 | -36.29 |
| 30 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 41 | 0.02 | -93.99 |
| 31 | Organic Composite Solvents & Thinners | 40 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 32 | Wine | 37 | 0.01 | -17.62 |
| 33 | Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates | 35 | 0.01 | 3,659.81 |
| 34 | Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates | 33 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 35 | Cow & Horse Hides | 33 | 0.01 | 1,225.95 |
| 36 | Apples & Pears | 32 | 0.01 | 78.77 |
| 37 | Passenger Vehicles | 32 | 0.01 | -42.03 |
| 38 | Mineral Substances | 30 | 0.01 | 2,797.42 |
| 39 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 30 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Insecticides | 30 | 0.01 | -65.28 |
| 41 | Electric Motors & Generators | 30 | 0.01 | 27.43 |
| 42 | Non-Adhesive Plastic Plates, Sheets & Film | 28 | 0.01 | 2,836.90 |
| 43 | Printed Circuits | 27 | 0.01 | -37.41 |
| 44 | Acrylic Polymers | 26 | 0.01 | -37.37 |
| 45 | Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes | 23 | 0.01 | -1.94 |
| 46 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 22 | 0.01 | 495.23 |
| 47 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 22 | 0.01 | -61.47 |
| 48 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 21 | 0.01 | 406.69 |
| 49 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 21 | 0.01 | 215.02 |
| 50 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 20 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 51 | Tube & Pipe Fittings | 19 | 0.01 | -44.12 |
| 52 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 18 | 0.01 | -98.48 |
| 53 | Ceramic Statuettes | 18 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 54 | Food & Drink Preparation Machines | 17 | 0.01 | 1,695.33 |
| 55 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 17 | 0.01 | -91.66 |
| 56 | Seats & Parts | 16 | 0.01 | 73.46 |
| 57 | Plywood | 14 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 58 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 14 | 0.01 | -42.55 |
| 59 | Alloy Steel Bars | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Office Paper | 13 | 0.00 | 124.20 |
| 61 | Revolution & Production Count Meters | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 62 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Safety Glass | 12 | 0.00 | -48.77 |
| 64 | Dates | 12 | 0.00 | -5.85 |
| 65 | Worked Ivory Articles | 11 | 0.00 | -27.53 |
| 66 | Apricots | 10 | 0.00 | 526.22 |
| 67 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 10 | 0.00 | -41.88 |
| 68 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 10 | 0.00 | -74.40 |
| 69 | Foliage | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 70 | Iron & Steel Angles & Shapes | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 72 | Hand Tools | 9 | 0.00 | 807.53 |
| 73 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 8 | 0.00 | -64.20 |
| 74 | Envelopes | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Electrical Resistors | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Heterocyclic Compounds | 7 | 0.00 | -96.32 |
| 77 | Electrical Switching Boards | 7 | 0.00 | 86.11 |
| 78 | Worn Clothing | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 80 | Onions | 6 | 0.00 | -78.73 |
| 81 | Dried Fruit | 6 | 0.00 | 119.86 |
| 82 | Parts For Electric Equipment | 5 | 0.00 | 42.80 |
| 83 | Furniture & Parts | 5 | 0.00 | -39.39 |
| 84 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 5 | 0.00 | -84.27 |
| 85 | Pumps For Liquids | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 86 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | Textile Products For Specific Tech Uses | 5 | 0.00 | 432.56 |
| 88 | Plastic Monofil | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Carpentry of Wood | 5 | 0.00 | 851.14 |
| 90 | Razors & Razor Blades | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 91 | Ceramic Tableware & Earthenware | 5 | 0.00 | -42.34 |
| 92 | Granite | 5 | 0.00 | -35.21 |
| 93 | Ink | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 94 | Chromium Ores | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 95 | Waterproof Footwear | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Chocolate | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 97 | Misc Meat & Edible Offal | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 98 | Padlocks | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 99 | Aircraft Parts | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 100 | Aircraft Engines | 4 | 0.00 | -92.17 |
| 101 | Leather Footwear | 4 | 0.00 | 311.35 |
| 102 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 4 | 0.00 | 36.47 |
| 103 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 4 | 0.00 | -96.80 |
| 104 | Plastic Household Articles | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 105 | Wire of Iron & Nonalloy Steel | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 106 | Engine Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 15.32 |
| 107 | Non Crude Oil | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 108 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 109 | Melons & Papayas | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Nuts | 3 | 0.00 | -95.54 |
| 111 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | -99.55 |
| 112 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Iron & Steel < 600Mm Wide | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 114 | Pictures & Photos | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 115 | Imitation Jewelry | 2 | 0.00 | -97.42 |
| 116 | Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters | 2 | 0.00 | 256.62 |
| 117 | Vegetable Saps & Extracts | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 118 | Monument Stone Articles | 2 | 0.00 | -67.92 |
| 119 | Primary Cells & Batteries | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 120 | Organic Surface-Active Agents | 2 | 0.00 | -81.88 |
| 121 | Plastic & Rubber Footwear | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 122 | Physical Exercise Equipment | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 2 | 0.00 | -68.23 |
| 124 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 2 | 0.00 | -52.34 |
| 125 | Wood, Continuously Shaped (Tongued or Grooved | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 126 | Original Sculptures & Statues | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 127 | Plants For Pharmacy | 1 | 0.00 | -96.43 |
| 128 | Transmission Belts of Vulcanized Rubber | 1 | 0.00 | 47.83 |
| 129 | Pebbles | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 130 | Cut Flowers & Buds | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 131 | Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 132 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 1 | 0.00 | -88.91 |
| 133 | Tools For Working in the Hand | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 134 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | -46.96 |
| 135 | Machinery Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 136 | Knitted Pantyhose | 1 | 0.00 | -55.90 |
| 137 | Fresh Fruit | 1 | 0.00 | -68.55 |
| 138 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 139 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 140 | Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 141 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 142 | Hair Preparations | 1 | 0.00 | -85.41 |
| 143 | Precious & Semiprecious Stones | 1 | 0.00 | -95.91 |
| 144 | Bandages | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 145 | Sanitary Ware & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 146 | Alcoholic Beverages | 1 | 0.00 | -98.38 |
| 147 | Bulbs | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 148 | Glass Mirrors | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 149 | Wood Marquetry | 1 | 0.00 | -96.87 |
| 150 | Phenols | 1 | 0.00 | -99.34 |
| 151 | Mattress Supports | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 152 | Glass Containers For Packing | 1 | 0.00 | -95.56 |
| 153 | Plastic Containers | 1 | 0.00 | -96.99 |
| 154 | Misc Headgear | 1 | 0.00 | -69.72 |
| 155 | Turntables & Cassette Players | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 156 | Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Microphones | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 158 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 159 | Typewriter Ribbons | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 160 | Articles of Copper | 0 | 0.00 | -25.38 |
| 161 | Cabbages | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 162 | Electric Storage Batteries | 0 | 0.00 | -99.66 |
| 163 | Knitted T-Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 164 | Pepper | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 165 | Misc Animal Products | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 166 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | -70.60 |
| 167 | Printed Paper, In Rolls or Sheets | 0 | 0.00 | -99.51 |
| 168 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 0 | 0.00 | -74.13 |
| 169 | Millstones For Grinding | 0 | 0.00 | -76.88 |
| 170 | Carrots | 0 | 0.00 | -81.58 |
| 171 | Electric Capacitors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 172 | Articles of Natural & Cultured Pearls | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 173 | Knit &Lace Hats | 0 | 0.00 | -87.43 |
| 174 | Notebooks & Business Forms | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 175 | Ginger, Thyme & Spices | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 176 | Electric Ignition Equipment | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 177 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -91.02 |
| 178 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 179 | Books | 0 | 0.00 | -78.07 |
| 180 | New Pneumatic Tires | 0 | 0.00 | -99.48 |
| 181 | Shawls & Scarves | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 182 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 183 | Fresh Vegetables | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 184 | Switching Equipment, > 1000 V | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 185 | Orthopedic Appliances | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 186 | Human Blood | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 187 | Paper Labels | 0 | 0.00 | -99.94 |
| 188 | TV Receivers | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 189 | Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 190 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 191 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 0 | 0.00 | -99.20 |
| 192 | Art Paper | 0 | 0.00 | -99.45 |
| 193 | Stoppers & Caps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 194 | Bells & Ornaments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 195 | Retread & Used Tires | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 196 | Survey Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 197 | Coconuts | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 198 | Felt | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 199 | Soft Drinks | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
