Chad Major Exports
Chad, a landlocked country in Central Africa, has an economy that heavily relies on its natural resources, including oil, cotton, and livestock. Despite facing challenges such as limited infrastructure, political instability, and vulnerability to climate change, Chad’s export sector has shown growth, driven primarily by its energy resources, agricultural products, and livestock. The country’s exports are directed mainly to countries in Europe, Asia, and neighboring African nations.
Oil and Petroleum Products
Crude Oil
Oil is by far Chad’s most significant export, accounting for the largest portion of the country’s export revenue. Since the discovery of oil reserves in the 1990s, Chad has been able to develop its oil sector, with production concentrated in the southern part of the country near the border with Cameroon. The oil industry plays a vital role in Chad’s economy, contributing substantially to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.
- Key Export Destinations: The United States, China, and European Union countries, particularly France.
- Export Characteristics: Chad exports crude oil, mostly in bulk, and primarily through pipelines that connect the country to international markets.
Trade Value:
- Oil exports contribute approximately $3.5 billion USD annually, making up around 60% of Chad’s total export value.
Petroleum Products
Alongside crude oil, Chad also exports a small quantity of refined petroleum products. This includes diesel, gasoline, and other petrochemical products. Although the country has limited refining capacity, some petroleum products are refined locally, while others are imported and then exported to neighboring countries.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries like Sudan, Cameroon, and the Central African Republic, as well as limited exports to European markets.
- Export Characteristics: Exports mainly consist of refined petroleum products, which are essential for regional energy markets.
Trade Value:
- Petroleum product exports account for approximately $500 million USD annually.
Agricultural Products
Cotton
Cotton is one of Chad’s most important agricultural exports. The country’s favorable climate for cotton cultivation has allowed it to establish a solid position in the global cotton market. Cotton is grown in various regions of Chad, with smallholder farmers being the main producers. The cotton industry has also been a significant source of employment for rural populations.
- Key Export Destinations: The European Union, primarily France, as well as Asian markets like China and India.
- Export Characteristics: Chad exports raw cotton, which is then processed into fabric or other textile products abroad.
Trade Value:
- Cotton exports contribute around $300 million USD annually to Chad’s export revenue.
Livestock and Animal Products
Chad is known for its vast herds of cattle, sheep, and goats, which are important both for domestic consumption and export. The livestock sector is central to the economy, particularly in the rural areas, where pastoralism is a way of life. The export of live animals, along with processed animal products such as hides, skins, and meat, forms a significant part of Chad’s agricultural exports.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries, especially Libya, Sudan, and Cameroon, as well as increasing exports to the Middle East.
- Export Characteristics: Exports include live cattle, camels, sheep, goats, and animal by-products like hides and skins.
Trade Value:
- Livestock exports generate approximately $200 million USD annually.
Gum Arabic
Chad is one of the world’s leading producers of gum arabic, a natural gum harvested from acacia trees. This product has diverse applications, including in food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and textiles. The gum is harvested primarily in the eastern regions of Chad, where it is processed and exported.
- Key Export Destinations: The European Union, particularly France, and the United States, where gum arabic is used in food processing and as a stabilizer in various industrial products.
- Export Characteristics: The gum is exported in its raw form or as semi-processed product.
Trade Value:
- Gum arabic exports contribute approximately $150 million USD annually.
Mineral Exports
Gold
Chad has also seen an increase in its gold production in recent years. While not as significant as its oil or agricultural exports, gold mining has been growing as a sector in the country, attracting foreign investment and contributing to Chad’s export diversification. Gold is mainly mined in the northern and eastern regions of the country.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring countries, particularly Sudan, and international markets, including Europe and the Middle East.
- Export Characteristics: Exports primarily consist of raw gold, which is refined and processed in international markets.
Trade Value:
- Gold exports are valued at approximately $100 million USD annually.
Livestock Feed and By-products
Chad exports a variety of by-products from its livestock industry, including animal feed, leather, and wool. These products cater to both regional markets in Africa and international markets, where they are used in manufacturing and agricultural production.
- Key Export Destinations: Regional markets within Africa, as well as select international markets.
- Export Characteristics: These exports mostly consist of processed animal products, including hides and leather, and wool.
Trade Value:
- Livestock by-products contribute approximately $50 million USD annually to Chad’s export economy.
Food Products
Cereal and Grain Exports
Chad produces and exports a range of cereals, including millet, sorghum, and maize. These are primarily grown for local consumption but also serve as important exports to neighboring countries, particularly those affected by food shortages. Cereal exports help meet the demand for food products in countries like Libya, Cameroon, and Sudan.
- Key Export Destinations: Neighboring African countries, particularly Libya and Sudan.
- Export Characteristics: Exports primarily consist of bulk grains, often unprocessed.
Trade Value:
- Cereal exports are valued at approximately $100 million USD annually.
Processed and Manufactured Goods
Although Chad’s manufacturing sector is relatively small, the country does export some processed goods, including agricultural products such as processed oils and foodstuffs. The export of these products is driven by the need to diversify beyond raw materials and provide value-added products to international markets.
- Key Export Destinations: Regional markets within West and Central Africa.
- Export Characteristics: Exports are limited to processed food items, primarily produced for local consumption and regional markets.
Trade Value:
- Processed goods contribute around $20 million USD annually to Chad’s export economy.
Chad’s export economy is heavily reliant on natural resources, particularly oil and agricultural products like cotton and livestock. However, the country also has growing exports in minerals, particularly gold, and continues to invest in diversifying its economy through the development of other sectors. With its strategic location in Central Africa and strong trading ties with neighboring countries, Chad remains an important player in regional trade.
Top Products Exported by Chad
Market Value: 7,323 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Crude Oil | 2,219,040 | 30.30 | 10,084,151.36 |
| 2 | Non Crude Oil | 97,171 | 1.33 | 0.00 |
| 3 | Cotton | 71,694 | 0.98 | 49.62 |
| 4 | Natural Gums | 40,523 | 0.55 | 317.96 |
| 5 | Aircraft | 5,188 | 0.07 | 53.25 |
| 6 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 2,307 | 0.03 | 21,804.09 |
| 7 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 651 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 8 | Polyethers | 615 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 9 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 547 | 0.01 | 2,148.60 |
| 10 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 450 | 0.01 | 11,761.63 |
| 11 | Raw Hides & Skins | 392 | 0.01 | 60.57 |
| 12 | Knitted T-Shirts | 221 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 13 | Electric Storage Batteries | 219 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 14 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 164 | 0.00 | 271.84 |
| 15 | TV Receivers | 157 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 16 | Passenger Vehicles | 156 | 0.00 | 920.71 |
| 17 | Imitation Jewelry | 153 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 18 | Orthopedic Appliances | 92 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 19 | Plastic Tubes | 89 | 0.00 | 5,168.98 |
| 20 | Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics | 80 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 21 | Acyclic Alcohols | 79 | 0.00 | 2,067.41 |
| 22 | New Pneumatic Tires | 74 | 0.00 | 145.31 |
| 23 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 74 | 0.00 | 107.41 |
| 24 | Survey Instruments | 72 | 0.00 | 606.64 |
| 25 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 72 | 0.00 | 296.13 |
| 26 | Office Paper | 68 | 0.00 | -40.76 |
| 27 | Waterproof Footwear | 64 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 28 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 62 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Lifting & Handling Machines | 59 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Retread & Used Tires | 58 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 31 | Perfumes & Toilet Waters | 55 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 32 | Personal Toilet Preparations | 50 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 33 | Furniture & Parts | 40 | 0.00 | 62.10 |
| 34 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 39 | 0.00 | 237.53 |
| 35 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 39 | 0.00 | -17.48 |
| 36 | Parts For Machine Tools | 39 | 0.00 | 663.94 |
| 37 | Peanuts | 37 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 38 | Glassware For Table | 34 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 39 | Bread, Pastry & Cakes | 33 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 40 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 33 | 0.00 | -71.98 |
| 41 | Tea | 31 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 42 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 29 | 0.00 | -34.98 |
| 43 | Interchange Hand & Machine Tools | 27 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 44 | Soap | 26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 45 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 | 25 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Grapes | 25 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 47 | Parts of Electric Motors | 24 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 48 | Raw Hides & Skins – No Hair | 24 | 0.00 | -45.67 |
| 49 | Articles of Plastics | 23 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 50 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 22 | 0.00 | -16.68 |
| 51 | Pencils, Crayons & Chalk | 21 | 0.00 | 428.25 |
| 52 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 20 | 0.00 | 46.99 |
| 53 | Parts For Electric Equipment | 18 | 0.00 | 1,221.08 |
| 54 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 17 | 0.00 | 151.44 |
| 55 | Photocopy Apparatus | 17 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 56 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 16 | 0.00 | 259.11 |
| 57 | Seats & Parts | 15 | 0.00 | -46.68 |
| 58 | Synthetic Coloring Matter | 15 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 59 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 13 | 0.00 | 19.87 |
| 60 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 61 | Knitted Womens & Girls Slips | 12 | 0.00 | 1,220.13 |
| 62 | Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Aircraft Engines | 12 | 0.00 | -26.63 |
| 64 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 65 | Photographic Chemicals | 11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 66 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 11 | 0.00 | 191.37 |
| 67 | Mineral Substances | 10 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 68 | Books | 9 | 0.00 | 26.04 |
| 69 | Aircraft Parts | 9 | 0.00 | -91.65 |
| 70 | Candy | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts | 8 | 0.00 | 729.01 |
| 72 | Cement | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Machines For Testing Material | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 74 | Electric Water Heaters | 7 | 0.00 | -37.05 |
| 75 | Sacks & Bags of Textile Material | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 76 | Knitted Womens & Girls Overcoats | 7 | 0.00 | -8.62 |
| 77 | Tape Recorders | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 78 | Trucks | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 79 | Microphones | 6 | 0.00 | -46.84 |
| 80 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 81 | Dishwashing & Packaging Machines | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 82 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 6 | 0.00 | -83.03 |
| 83 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 6 | 0.00 | 688.90 |
| 84 | Washing Machines | 6 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 85 | Pumps For Liquids | 5 | 0.00 | -82.14 |
| 86 | Articles of Jewelry & Parts | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | Filters & Centrifuges | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 88 | Petroleum Gases | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 89 | Wood Tools& Broom Bodies | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Ivory | 5 | 0.00 | 68.45 |
| 91 | Machinery Parts | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 92 | Compound Optical Microscopes | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 93 | Vans & Buses | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 94 | Glass Beads & Articles | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 95 | Hand-Operated Spanners & Wrenches | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Motorcycles | 3 | 0.00 | -3.52 |
| 97 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 98 | Electric Ignition Equipment | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 99 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 100 | Bandages | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Physical Exercise Equipment | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 102 | Radar Apparatus & Navigation | 3 | 0.00 | -74.84 |
| 103 | Lamps & Lighting Fittings | 3 | 0.00 | -79.57 |
| 104 | Postage & Revenue Stamps | 3 | 0.00 | 176.24 |
| 105 | Sand Blasting Machines | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 106 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 2 | 0.00 | -66.29 |
| 107 | Basketwork | 2 | 0.00 | -34.77 |
| 108 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 109 | Carpentry of Wood | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 2 | 0.00 | -99.46 |
| 111 | Leather Apparel & Accessories | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 112 | Articles of Wood | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | -71.76 |
| 114 | Sport Shotguns & Rifles | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 115 | Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 116 | Salt | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 117 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 118 | Prepared & Preserved Fish | 1 | 0.00 | -18.10 |
| 119 | Tools For Working in the Hand | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 120 | Records & Tapes | 1 | 0.00 | -83.20 |
| 121 | Prepared Glues & Adhesives | 1 | 0.00 | -43.40 |
| 122 | Printed Circuits | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Files, Pliers & Shears | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 124 | Engine Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 125 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 1 | 0.00 | -69.82 |
| 126 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 127 | Inner Tubes For Tires | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 128 | Plastic Containers | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 129 | Heavy Construction Equipment | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 130 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 1 | 0.00 | -76.42 |
| 131 | Millstones For Grinding | 1 | 0.00 | 46.44 |
| 132 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 1 | 0.00 | -74.39 |
| 133 | Plants For Pharmacy | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 134 | Worn Clothing | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 135 | Sewing Machines | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 136 | Watch Straps | 1 | 0.00 | -87.38 |
| 137 | Notebooks & Business Forms | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits | 1 | 0.00 | -99.64 |
| 139 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 140 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 141 | Leather Footwear | 0 | 0.00 | -96.21 |
| 142 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 143 | Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 144 | Hand Tools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 145 | Drawing Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 146 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 0 | 0.00 | -98.19 |
| 147 | Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 148 | Photo Paper | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 149 | Image Projectors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 150 | Electrical Switching Boards | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 151 | Pictures & Photos | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 152 | Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 153 | Air Conditioners | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 154 | Plastic Baths & Toilet Seats | 0 | 0.00 | -98.06 |
| 155 | Electric Capacitors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 156 | Insulating Fittings For Assembly | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Photographic Still Cameras | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 158 | Printed Paper, In Rolls or Sheets | 0 | 0.00 | -99.94 |
| 159 | Soft Drinks | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 160 | Knitted Pantyhose | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 161 | Misc Tools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |