Gambia Major Exports

The Gambia, a small West African nation, has a largely agrarian-based economy with a focus on agricultural exports. Its location along the Atlantic coast and its extensive river system give it access to key regional and international trade routes. Despite being a small player in the global trade arena, Gambia’s exports play a crucial role in sustaining its economy, providing livelihoods for many people, and generating vital foreign exchange earnings.

Major Export Categories

1. Groundnuts and Groundnut Products

Groundnuts (peanuts) and their products are by far the most significant export category for Gambia, forming the backbone of its agricultural export sector. Groundnuts are grown extensively across the country, and their export forms a large share of the nation’s total export value. Groundnut oil and other processed products are also important components of Gambia’s export profile.

• Trade Value: Groundnuts and related products contribute approximately $30 million annually to Gambia’s total exports.
• Key export markets include neighboring Senegal, Europe, and Asia.

Key Products:

• Raw Groundnuts: Gambia exports large quantities of raw groundnuts, which are sold to international markets for consumption and processing.
• Groundnut Oil: Groundnut oil, produced through local mills, is another key export, particularly to Europe and Asia.
• Processed Groundnut Products: Gambia also exports groundnut paste and other processed products used in food production.

2. Fish and Seafood

The fishing industry is another cornerstone of Gambia’s export economy. With its long coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, the country has access to abundant marine resources. Fish and seafood products are essential for both domestic consumption and export, contributing significantly to foreign exchange earnings.

• Trade Value: Fish and seafood exports contribute around $20 million annually to Gambia’s total export revenue.
• Major export markets include Europe, particularly Spain and France, as well as neighboring West African countries.

Key Products:

• Fresh Fish: Fresh fish, such as tuna, tilapia, and other local varieties, are exported to both regional and international markets.
• Frozen Fish: Frozen fish products, including tuna and mackerel, are in high demand in global markets.
• Dried and Smoked Fish: Dried and smoked fish are traditional products with strong demand in neighboring countries and the diaspora.

3. Cotton and Cotton Products

Cotton is an important cash crop for Gambia, although it is not grown in as large quantities as groundnuts. The cotton sector has been experiencing gradual growth, driven by both local and international demand. The country exports raw cotton as well as processed cotton products, including yarn and textiles.

• Trade Value: Cotton and cotton products contribute approximately $10 million annually to Gambia’s export sector.
• Major export markets include neighboring countries, Europe, and Asia.

Key Products:

• Raw Cotton: Gambia exports raw cotton to international textile manufacturers, particularly in Asia.
• Cotton Yarn and Textiles: The export of cotton yarn and textiles, although smaller in volume, has been growing as Gambia seeks to add value to its cotton production.

4. Horticultural Products

Horticulture in Gambia is an expanding sector, with various fruits and vegetables being grown for both local consumption and export. The country exports a variety of fresh produce to regional markets and Europe. Key horticultural exports include tomatoes, onions, citrus fruits, and papayas.

• Trade Value: Horticultural products contribute around $8 million annually to Gambia’s exports.
• Major export destinations include Senegal, the European Union, and regional markets within West Africa.

Key Products:

• Tomatoes: Gambia exports tomatoes to neighboring countries and Europe, where the produce is highly valued for its flavor and freshness.
• Onions: Onions are grown in significant quantities and are a key export item to neighboring countries.
• Citrus Fruits: Oranges, lemons, and other citrus fruits are also important export commodities.

5. Timber and Wood Products

The timber industry in Gambia is another important contributor to the country’s export revenue. The country has a variety of forest resources, which include hardwoods and softwoods. While the timber sector faces challenges related to sustainability and illegal logging, exports continue to play an important role in the economy.

• Trade Value: Timber and wood products contribute around $5 million annually to the country’s export value.
• Major export markets include neighboring Senegal, Europe, and Asia.

Key Products:

• Raw Timber: Gambia exports raw timber, including hardwood varieties used in construction and furniture making.
• Processed Wood Products: The country also exports processed wood products, such as plywood and furniture, though the sector remains underdeveloped compared to raw timber exports.

6. Beverages and Tobacco

Beverages, including alcoholic drinks and soft drinks, along with tobacco products, are also part of Gambia’s export basket. The country produces and exports a variety of beverages, including locally made beer and palm wine. Tobacco is cultivated in limited amounts, and tobacco products like cigarettes are exported to regional markets.

• Trade Value: Beverages and tobacco products contribute around $4 million annually to Gambia’s export earnings.
• Major export markets include Senegal, the European Union, and regional markets.

Key Products:

• Beer and Alcoholic Beverages: Local beer and palm wine are key exports, especially to the regional West African markets.
• Cigarettes and Tobacco Products: Tobacco is grown on a small scale, and processed products like cigarettes are exported to neighboring countries.

7. Live Animals

The livestock sector, although not as developed as other agricultural sectors, contributes to Gambia’s exports. The country exports live animals, including cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry, to neighboring countries in the West African region.

• Trade Value: Live animal exports contribute around $3 million annually.
• Major export markets include Senegal, Guinea, and other West African countries.

Key Products:

• Cattle: Live cattle are exported primarily to Senegal and other nearby countries.
• Small Livestock: Goats, sheep, and poultry are other key export commodities, particularly for the West African market.

8. Other Exports

In addition to the major categories mentioned above, Gambia also exports other products such as textiles, handicrafts, and some manufactured goods. The export of manufactured products is still limited but has the potential for growth as the country seeks to diversify its economy.

• Trade Value: Other exports contribute around $2-3 million annually to Gambia’s total export revenue.
• Major export destinations include regional markets and the diaspora communities in Europe and North America.

Key Products:

• Handicrafts: Handcrafted items such as baskets, jewelry, and textiles are popular in niche markets abroad.
• Small Manufactured Goods: The export of small-scale manufactured products, such as construction materials and basic consumer goods, is emerging but still minor.

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Gambia’s export sector remains largely dependent on agriculture, with groundnuts, fish, cotton, and horticultural products dominating the country’s trade profile. However, the government has been making efforts to diversify exports and improve industrial capacity. With its strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean and proximity to key regional markets, Gambia has the potential to expand its export base further in the coming years.

Top Products Exported by Gambia

Market Value: 58 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Rank	Product	Trade Value (thousands)	Share (%)	Growth (% 5yr)
1	Peanut Oil	4,279	7.37	-57.51
2	Peanuts	3,211	5.53	17.26
3	Dates	1,467	2.53	252.10
4	Leguminous Vegetables	1,342	2.31	6.14
5	Heterocyclic Compounds	1,236	2.13	0.00
6	Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits	730	1.26	2,870.07
7	Medicines in Doses	639	1.10	2,325.49
8	Fish Fillets	554	0.95	-59.91
9	Fresh Vegetables	507	0.87	9.62
10	Shell Fish	499	0.86	-57.93
11	Copper Waste & Scrap	474	0.82	0.00
12	Dried Fish	436	0.75	380.04
13	Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2	291	0.50	45.01
14	Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits	266	0.46	240.70
15	Molluscs	247	0.42	-67.90
16	Other Footwear	217	0.37	1,152.24
17	Cotton	192	0.33	0.00
18	Niobium	175	0.30	0.00
19	Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts	170	0.29	5,815.08
20	Synthetic Rubber	152	0.26	0.00
21	Percussion Instruments	117	0.20	59.57
22	Air & Vacuum Pumps	111	0.19	-3.94
23	Personal Toilet Preparations	97	0.17	1,368.75
24	Frozen Fish	93	0.16	-81.69
25	Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2	91	0.16	-73.49
26	Television, Radio & Assessory Parts	91	0.16	863.99
27	Dental Preparations	83	0.14	729.91
28	Beauty & Make-up Perparations	72	0.12	0.00
29	Knitted Sweaters	72	0.12	7,483.58
30	Passenger Vehicles	71	0.12	-48.01
31	Sauces & Condiments	70	0.12	0.00
32	Aircraft Engines	66	0.11	0.00
33	Taps, Cocks & Valves	62	0.11	1,656.51
34	Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments	61	0.11	-17.69
35	Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts	57	0.10	0.00
36	Parts For Electric Equipment	56	0.10	401.25
37	Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers	53	0.09	-67.84
38	Dishwashing & Packaging Machines	51	0.09	0.00
39	Coffee	50	0.09	0.00
40	Wood Marquetry	47	0.08	-30.19
41	Plastic Containers	46	0.08	334.91
42	Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus	45	0.08	53.29
43	Computer & Office Machines Parts	43	0.07	348.98
44	Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair	42	0.07	0.00
45	Coloring Preparations	41	0.07	0.00
46	Computers, Printers & Storage Units	36	0.06	6.67
47	Knitted T-Shirts	35	0.06	43.25
48	Tools For Working in the Hand	34	0.06	238.58
49	Filters & Centrifuges	34	0.06	0.00
50	Machines For Cleaning Seed	33	0.06	0.00
51	Books	32	0.06	0.00
52	Felt	31	0.05	0.00
53	Veneer Sheets	31	0.05	0.00
54	Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts	31	0.05	0.00
55	Soap	30	0.05	1,621.86
56	Soups	28	0.05	53.89
57	Wine	26	0.04	0.00
58	Parts of Electric Motors	25	0.04	0.00
59	Stoves	25	0.04	0.00
60	Fresh Fish	24	0.04	-5.51
61	Pens & Mechanical Pencils	24	0.04	78.40
62	Electronic Integrated Circuits	23	0.04	0.00
63	Diesel Engines	23	0.04	0.00
64	Survey Instruments	23	0.04	2,525.49
65	Articles of Jewelry & Parts	22	0.04	869.59
66	Acyclic Alcohols	22	0.04	-82.58
67	Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters	21	0.04	0.00
68	Woven Fabrics of Synthetic Staple Fibers	19	0.03	-86.64
69	Pickling Preparations For Metal	19	0.03	0.00
70	Cut Flowers & Buds	18	0.03	0.00
71	Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony	18	0.03	544.54
72	Pictures & Photos	18	0.03	0.00
73	Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2	17	0.03	-79.04
74	Cow & Horse Hides	17	0.03	-78.05
75	Mechanical Machinery & Parts	17	0.03	1,161.96
76	Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments	17	0.03	204.72
77	Buttons	16	0.03	308.41
78	Monument Stone Articles	15	0.03	0.00
79	Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses	15	0.03	-48.08
80	Measuring or Checking Instruments	15	0.03	0.00
81	Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic < 170G/M2	14	0.02	-94.13
82	Pumps For Liquids	14	0.02	136.84
83	Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts	13	0.02	-84.75
84	Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel	13	0.02	0.00
85	Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies	13	0.02	352.97
86	Watches	13	0.02	0.00
87	Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn	13	0.02	-78.84
88	Plywood	12	0.02	0.00
89	Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry	12	0.02	0.00
90	Refrigerators & Freezers	12	0.02	462.38
91	Lifting & Handling Machines	12	0.02	0.00
92	Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% < 200G/M2	12	0.02	-61.68
93	Clasps, Buckles & Hooks	11	0.02	0.00
94	Non-Knit Track Suits	10	0.02	909.50
95	Harvest Machines	10	0.02	0.00
96	Knives & Blades For Machines & Appliances	10	0.02	0.00
97	Wood Sawn > 6 mm	9	0.02	-92.49
98	Parts For Machine Tools	8	0.01	-89.61
99	Fresh Fruit	8	0.01	-68.77
100	Woven Fabrics of Artificial Staple Fibers	8	0.01	599.58
101	Gold	8	0.01	-92.72
102	Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods	8	0.01	752.44
103	Coconuts	8	0.01	-99.83
104	Electric Filament & Discharge Lamps	7	0.01	0.00
105	Non-Knit Mens & Boys Overcoats	7	0.01	0.00
106	Medicines Not in Doses	7	0.01	0.00
107	Hand Tools	6	0.01	838.69
108	Engines & Motors	6	0.01	220.37
109	Ferrous Waste & Scrap	5	0.01	-87.46
110	Padlocks	5	0.01	0.00
111	Palm Oil	5	0.01	-50.31
112	Special Purpose Motor Vehicles	5	0.01	0.00
113	Furniture & Parts	5	0.01	-88.71
114	Musical Boxes, Whistles	4	0.01	624.11
115	Resin Carving Material	4	0.01	0.00
116	Other Pharmaceutical Goods	4	0.01	0.00
117	Hair Preparations	4	0.01	-88.92
118	Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics	4	0.01	-70.41
119	Microphones	4	0.01	-76.39
120	Cassava	4	0.01	-62.93
121	Worn Clothing	4	0.01	-96.61
122	Motor Vehicle Parts	4	0.01	3.80
123	Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits	3	0.01	81.15
124	Water Heaters	3	0.01	0.00
125	Imitation Jewelry	3	0.01	55.91
126	Melons & Papayas	3	0.01	-85.11
127	Printed Paper, In Rolls or Sheets	3	0.01	0.00
128	Records & Tapes	3	0.01	-53.62
129	Engine Parts	3	0.01	-83.25
130	Machine Tools For Drilling	3	0.00	0.00
131	Ceramic Lab Wares	3	0.00	0.00
132	Frozen Vegetables	3	0.00	-56.82
133	Aluminum Bars	3	0.00	0.00
134	Articles of Wood	2	0.00	0.00
135	Bandages	2	0.00	0.00
136	Sewing Machines	2	0.00	0.00
137	Non Wovens	2	0.00	-70.58
138	Provitamins & Vitamins	2	0.00	0.00
139	Articles of Iron & Steel	2	0.00	0.00
140	Essent Oils Resinoid	2	0.00	-85.66
141	Physical Exercise Equipment	2	0.00	-54.17
142	Knitted Womens & Girls Suits	2	0.00	-48.59
143	Primary Cells & Batteries	2	0.00	0.00
144	Halogenated Derivatives of Hydrocarbons	1	0.00	-84.09
145	Articles of Plastics	1	0.00	27.64
146	TV Receivers	1	0.00	0.00
147	Instruments for Measure & Check Flow	1	0.00	-67.24
148	Motorcycles	1	0.00	-47.69
149	Precious & Semiprecious Stones	1	0.00	0.00
150	Electric Motors & Generators	1	0.00	0.00
151	Electric Capacitors	1	0.00	-95.55
152	Transmission Belts of Vulcanized Rubber	1	0.00	-96.16
153	Embroidery in the Piece	1	0.00	0.00
154	Seats & Parts	1	0.00	-23.21
155	Knit &Lace Hats	1	0.00	-58.77
156	Vulcanized Rubber Tubes	1	0.00	-9.81
157	Video Recording Equipment	1	0.00	0.00
158	Electric Water Heaters	1	0.00	0.00
159	Uncoated Paper	1	0.00	-97.80
160	Washers & Dryers	1	0.00	0.00
161	Densified Wood Blocks	0	0.00	0.00
162	Screws, Bolts & Nuts	0	0.00	0.00
163	Insulated Wire & Cable	0	0.00	-85.87
164	Plastic Tubes	0	0.00	-86.35
165	Chemically Modified Fats & Oils	0	0.00	0.00
166	Spectacles	0	0.00	0.00
167	Photocopy Apparatus	0	0.00	0.00
168	Leather Footwear	0	0.00	0.00
169	Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting	0	0.00	0.00
170	Frozen Vegetables	0	0.00	0.00
171	Food & Drink Preparation Machines	0	0.00	-97.37
172	Electrical Resistors	0	0.00	-94.45
173	Natural Coloring Matter	0	0.00	0.00
174	Art Paper	0	0.00	-93.45
175	Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments	0	0.00	-81.08
176	Notebooks & Business Forms	0	0.00	-68.06
177	Mach For Making Up Pulp & Paper	0	0.00	0.00
178	Tube & Pipe Fittings	0	0.00	-96.99
179	Glassware For Lab & Pharmaceutical Use	0	0.00	0.00
180	Sanitary & Toiletry Paper	0	0.00	0.00
181	Felt Garments	0	0.00	0.00
182	Articles of Vulcanized Rubber	0	0.00	0.00
183	Interchange Hand & Machine Tools	0	0.00	-84.24
184	Puzzles, Models & Toys	0	0.00	0.00
185	Knitted Womens & Girls Blouses & Shirts	0	0.00	-96.61
186	Raw Hides & Skins	0	0.00	-99.34
187	Household Art & Parts	0	0.00	-99.37
188	Used & New Rags	0	0.00	0.00
189	Turntables & Cassette Players	0	0.00	0.00
190	Printed Circuits	0	0.00	-96.36
191	Soft Drinks	0	0.00	0.00
192	Basketwork	0	0.00	0.00
193	Synthetic Tanning Substitutes	0	0.00	0.00
194	Springs & Leaves For Springs	0	0.00	0.00
195	Hydrometers & Thermometers	0	0.00	-98.59
196	Stoppers & Caps	0	0.00	0.00
197	Worked Ivory Articles	0	0.00	-99.79
198	Transister & Semiconductor Devices	0	0.00	0.00
199	Agricultural Machinery For Soil	0	0.00	0.00
200	Ginger, Thyme & Spices	0	0.00	-99.86
201	Leather Apparel & Accessories	0	0.00	0.00
202	Plastic Household Articles	0	0.00	-99.97
203	Nails	0	0.00	0.00
204	Plastic Self-Adhesive Plates	0	0.00	0.00
205	Tea	0	0.00	-99.64
206	Candy	0	0.00	-100.00
207	Bread, Pastry & Cakes	0	0.00	0.00
208	Brooms & Mops	0	0.00	0.00
209	Panels Boards of Vegetable Fiber	0	0.00	-99.89