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

Top Products Exported by Central African Republic

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