Guinea Major Exports

Guinea, located in West Africa, is rich in natural resources, with a thriving economy driven by mining, agriculture, and fisheries. The country’s major exports primarily consist of minerals, agricultural products, and other raw materials. Guinea’s strategic location along the Atlantic coast and its membership in the African Union and ECOWAS provide access to various international markets, further enhancing its trade opportunities. Despite challenges such as political instability and infrastructure limitations, Guinea remains a key exporter in the region.

Bauxite and Alumina

Bauxite is Guinea’s most valuable export, and the country is one of the largest producers of this mineral globally. Guinea’s bauxite deposits are among the largest and highest quality in the world, and the mineral is critical for aluminum production.

Bauxite Exports and Trade Value

  • Bauxite exports from Guinea were valued at approximately $3.5 billion in 2022.
  • Guinea holds about 25% of the world’s known bauxite reserves.
  • Major buyers of Guinea’s bauxite include China, the United States, and European Union countries.

The bauxite mining sector is a major contributor to Guinea’s GDP and employment, with large international mining companies operating in the country. Additionally, the country is increasingly focused on adding value to its bauxite exports by processing it into alumina, though most of the bauxite is still exported in its raw form.

Gold

Gold mining is another key sector of Guinea’s export economy. The country has significant gold reserves, and gold exports have grown steadily over the years. Small-scale and artisanal mining, alongside large-scale commercial operations, play a role in this sector.

Gold Exports and Trade Value

  • In 2022, gold exports from Guinea were valued at around $1.5 billion.
  • Guinea is one of the top 10 gold producers in Africa.
  • Major export markets for Guinea’s gold include the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, and South Africa.

The gold sector has attracted significant foreign investment, particularly from multinational mining companies. Gold remains a critical source of foreign exchange for Guinea and plays an important role in the country’s economy.

Agriculture and Agricultural Products

Agriculture plays a vital role in Guinea’s economy, with a large portion of the population relying on farming for livelihood. Key agricultural exports include rice, coffee, cocoa, and fruits. These products are essential not only for domestic consumption but also as important sources of income from international trade.

Key Agricultural Exports and Trade Value

  • Rice: Rice exports were valued at approximately $100 million in 2022.
  • Coffee: Coffee exports from Guinea were valued at around $20 million in 2022, with the country producing mainly Arabica coffee beans.
  • Cocoa: Cocoa exports amounted to roughly $30 million in 2022.

Rice is one of Guinea’s staple foods, and while much of it is consumed domestically, the country has also begun exporting small amounts. Coffee and cocoa are grown mainly in the highland regions, with the majority of the production being sold to international markets, particularly in Europe.

Fisheries and Seafood

Guinea has access to rich marine resources along its Atlantic coastline, and the fishing industry is a significant contributor to the country’s export economy. Guinea exports a variety of seafood, including fish, shrimp, and other marine products, to global markets.

Fisheries Exports and Trade Value

  • Fisheries exports were valued at approximately $200 million in 2022.
  • Key export products include shrimp, tuna, and other fish species.
  • Major markets for Guinea’s seafood include the European Union, China, and the United States.

The fishing sector in Guinea is underdeveloped but holds great potential due to the country’s abundant marine resources. Government initiatives to improve fishing techniques and regulations have helped to increase exports.

Aluminum and Other Metals

In addition to bauxite, Guinea also exports significant quantities of aluminum and other metals. The country’s mining sector includes the extraction of iron ore, which is another key export commodity.

Aluminum and Metal Exports and Trade Value

  • Exports of aluminum from Guinea were valued at approximately $250 million in 2022.
  • Guinea has large deposits of iron ore, with iron ore exports valued at around $300 million in 2022.
  • Major markets for Guinea’s aluminum and metals include China, the United States, and the European Union.

The aluminum sector is closely tied to the bauxite mining industry, with efforts being made to build processing facilities within the country. Iron ore mining is also a growing sector in Guinea, with several major international companies investing in exploration and extraction.

Cotton

Cotton is another important agricultural export for Guinea. Although the cotton industry is not as large as the bauxite or gold sectors, it provides substantial employment in rural areas and plays a key role in Guinea’s agricultural exports.

Cotton Exports and Trade Value

  • Cotton exports were valued at approximately $70 million in 2022.
  • The main cotton-producing regions of Guinea are located in the southeastern and central parts of the country.
  • Key markets for Guinean cotton include China, India, and Europe.

Guinea has favorable climatic conditions for cotton cultivation, and while much of the cotton is still exported in raw form, there are efforts to develop the country’s textile and garment industries to increase value-added exports.

Timber and Wood Products

Guinea has substantial forest resources, and timber and wood products are another important category in its export portfolio. The country exports a range of wood products, including logs, sawn timber, and processed wood products.

Timber Exports and Trade Value

  • Timber exports from Guinea were valued at approximately $150 million in 2022.
  • Key wood products include hardwoods like mahogany and ebony.
  • Major buyers of Guinean timber include China, Europe, and neighboring West African countries.

While Guinea has extensive forests, concerns over deforestation and illegal logging have prompted the government to implement measures aimed at promoting sustainable forestry practices.

Other Exports

In addition to the major commodities mentioned above, Guinea exports several other products, including:

Key Agricultural Exports

  • Palm Oil: Guinea also exports palm oil, with an export value of around $50 million in 2022.
  • Rubber: Rubber exports were valued at approximately $25 million in 2022.

Livestock and Animal Products

  • Guinea exports small quantities of livestock and animal products, including cattle and poultry, to neighboring countries in West Africa.

Regional and Global Trade Partners

Guinea’s major trading partners are diverse, with export markets in both regional and global markets. Some of the key export partners include:

  • China (primary market for bauxite, iron ore, and aluminum)
  • United States (major importer of gold and seafood)
  • European Union (important market for agricultural products and seafood)
  • United Arab Emirates (key market for gold)

Guinea’s participation in regional trade agreements, such as the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), has also helped expand its export opportunities across the region.

Top Products Exported by Guinea

Market Value: 3,421 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024

Top Products Exported by Guinea

Rank Product Trade Value (thousands) Share (%) Growth (% 5yr)
1 Aluminum Ores 607,835 17.77 48.57
2 Artflical Corundum & Aluminum Oxide 176,623 5.16 73.77
3 Copper Ores 72,370 2.12 13.40
4 Crude Oil 65,982 1.93 -47.05
5 Coffee 37,201 1.09 549.91
6 Diamonds 36,277 1.06 -67.01
7 Aircraft 25,147 0.74 0.00
8 Frozen Fish 23,402 0.68 43.54
9 Cocoa 23,150 0.68 899.86
10 Natural Rubber 13,735 0.40 1,618.27
11 Precious Metal Ores 9,894 0.29 3,770.32
12 Shell Fish 7,542 0.22 4.71
13 Fresh Fish 7,089 0.21 20.88
14 Wood Sawn > 6 mm 6,211 0.18 165.92
15 Copper Waste & Scrap 4,492 0.13 365.86
16 Dried Fish 3,501 0.10 71.99
17 Plywood 3,280 0.10 17,523.20
18 Petroleum Gases 2,863 0.08 119.64
19 Molluscs 2,098 0.06 -18.69
20 Cocoa Shells 1,728 0.05 0.00
21 Veneer Sheets 1,718 0.05 3,851.71
22 Dates 1,597 0.05 5.54
23 Bran 1,336 0.04 -8.06
24 Fish Fillets 1,204 0.04 59.11
25 Aluminum Waste & Scrap 825 0.02 4,351.88
26 Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders 716 0.02 74.72
27 Gaskets & Similar Joints of Metal Sheeting 655 0.02 0.00
28 Ferrous Waste & Scrap 623 0.02 62.84
29 Lumber 580 0.02 -72.74
30 Other Animals 557 0.02 20.16
31 Aluminum 526 0.02 2,662.81
32 Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel 460 0.01 0.00
33 Lead Waste & Scrap 418 0.01 0.00
34 Cotton 377 0.01 -92.69
35 Oil Seeds & Oleaginous Fruits 372 0.01 -60.01
36 Taps, Cocks & Valves 354 0.01 1,294.27
37 Percussion Instruments 332 0.01 19.57
38 Gold 302 0.01 -74.39
39 Palm Oil 291 0.01 47.68
40 Acyclic Alcohols 269 0.01 15,158.54
41 Aircraft Parts 203 0.01 -20.31
42 Precious & Semiprecious Stones 198 0.01 -26.90
43 Vegetable Waxes 187 0.01 350.82
44 Survey Instruments 177 0.01 17.78
45 Passenger Vehicles 171 0.01 84.95
46 Live Fish 142 0.00 75.29
47 Seats & Parts 139 0.00 2,950.10
48 Wood Marquetry 139 0.00 40.04
49 Coconuts 135 0.00 -72.58
50 Wood, Continuously Shaped (Tongued or Grooved 104 0.00 922.89
51 Insecticides 93 0.00 0.00
52 Television, Radio & Assessory Parts 92 0.00 1,408.06
53 Machine Tools For Working Wood 87 0.00 1,400.76
54 Containers For Compressed & Liquid Gas 85 0.00 0.00
55 Nuts 83 0.00 0.00
56 Non Crude Oil 82 0.00 0.00
57 Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments 81 0.00 2,106.66
58 Articles of Plastics 79 0.00 257.43
59 Trucks 76 0.00 12.01
60 Alcoholic Beverages 69 0.00 1,269.34
61 Vanilla Beans 68 0.00 -51.11
62 Prepared & Preserved Fish 66 0.00 -63.11
63 Plants For Pharmacy 65 0.00 18.33
64 Computers, Printers & Storage Units 58 0.00 -78.32
65 Aircraft Engines 57 0.00 234.45
66 Articles of Iron & Steel 56 0.00 0.00
67 Tea 56 0.00 35.35
68 Pumps For Liquids 55 0.00 -72.18
69 Cow & Horse Hides 51 0.00 -59.03
70 Electronic Integrated Circuits 49 0.00 5,482.80
71 Live Plants 48 0.00 -48.75
72 Odoriferous Mixtures 48 0.00 0.00
73 Special Purpose Motor Vehicles 47 0.00 0.00
74 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Clad 47 0.00 -61.86
75 Measuring or Checking Instruments 46 0.00 1,315.03
76 Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers 45 0.00 1.17
77 Parts of Musical Instruments 45 0.00 345.93
78 Wallpaper 45 0.00 195.10
79 Hand Paintings & Drawings 44 0.00 0.00
80 Beauty & Make-up Perparations 44 0.00 0.00
81 Spectacles 43 0.00 0.00
82 Interchange Hand & Machine Tools 40 0.00 1,219.03
83 Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis 40 0.00 226.07
84 Sacks & Bags of Textile Material 40 0.00 378.08
85 Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus 39 0.00 1,491.62
86 Lathes For Removing Metal 39 0.00 0.00
87 Natural Vegetable Fats & Oils 38 0.00 0.00
88 Computer & Office Machines Parts 37 0.00 -61.64
89 Motorcycles 36 0.00 231.83
90 Machinery Parts 36 0.00 -49.63
91 Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts 34 0.00 237.68
92 Coconut Oil 33 0.00 0.00
93 Bandages 30 0.00 0.00
94 Pasta 30 0.00 0.00
95 Steam Generating Boilers 29 0.00 0.00
96 Electric Motors & Generators 29 0.00 -83.60
97 Knitted T-Shirts 28 0.00 5,071.46
98 Furniture & Parts 27 0.00 124.47
99 Prefabricated Buildings 26 0.00 0.00
100 Shawls & Scarves 26 0.00 3,264.62
101 Engine Parts 26 0.00 -69.85
102 Lubricating Preparations 26 0.00 214.70
103 Organic Surface-Active Agents 26 0.00 -28.23
104 Furnace Burners 24 0.00 0.00
105 Agricultural Machinery For Soil 24 0.00 0.00
106 Puzzles, Models & Toys 22 0.00 0.00
107 Cocoa Paste 21 0.00 -78.38
108 Fuel Wood in Logs 21 0.00 0.00
109 Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 20 0.00 498.14
110 Wire of Alloy Steel 20 0.00 246.28
111 Containers of Transport 19 0.00 813.41
112 Cocoa Powder 19 0.00 0.00
113 Worn Clothing 19 0.00 1,888.13
114 Woven Fabric of Synthetic Filament Yarn 19 0.00 0.00
115 Knitted Mens & Boys Shirts 19 0.00 0.00
116 Screws, Bolts & Nuts 19 0.00 1,129.98
117 Motor Vehicle Parts 19 0.00 -65.02
118 Candy 17 0.00 0.00
119 Flour & Meal 17 0.00 141.51
120 Iron & Steel > 600 mm Wide – Hot 17 0.00 0.00
121 Mechanical Machinery & Parts 16 0.00 186.62
122 Concentrated Milk & Cream 16 0.00 0.00
123 Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus 16 0.00 -50.39
124 Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies 15 0.00 -52.07
125 Transister & Semiconductor Devices 15 0.00 0.00
126 Insulated Wire & Cable 15 0.00 51.62
127 Sauces & Condiments 14 0.00 125.32
128 Office Paper 14 0.00 258.26
129 Bananas 13 0.00 0.00
130 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits 13 0.00 -38.44
131 Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments 13 0.00 -81.00
132 Perfumes & Toilet Waters 12 0.00 0.00
133 Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels 12 0.00 -97.44
134 Drawing Instruments 11 0.00 0.00
135 Essent Oils Resinoid 11 0.00 -80.44
136 Beer 10 0.00 38.25
137 Seeds 10 0.00 437.54
138 Books 10 0.00 923.97
139 Pens & Mechanical Pencils 9 0.00 228.30
140 Raw Hides & Skins 9 0.00 -74.44
141 Sand Blasting Machines 9 0.00 0.00
142 Hand Tools 9 0.00 708.23
143 Leather Footwear 8 0.00 -79.39
144 IndustrialElectric Furnaces 8 0.00 0.00
145 Soft Drinks 8 0.00 194.91
146 Plastic Waste 8 0.00 0.00
147 Rice 8 0.00 0.00
148 Stranded Wire 8 0.00 0.00
149 Fresh Vegetables 8 0.00 187.57
150 Cereal Grains 8 0.00 299.42
151 Non-Knit Track Suits 8 0.00 10.02
152 Footwear Components 7 0.00 0.00
153 Medicines in Doses 7 0.00 -97.47
154 Plastic Tubes 7 0.00 0.00
155 Trailers 7 0.00 0.00
156 Food & Drink Preparation Machines 7 0.00 0.00
157 Buckwheat 6 0.00 0.00
158 Articles of Glass 6 0.00 0.00
159 Primary Cells & Batteries 6 0.00 0.00
160 Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows 6 0.00 -48.95
161 Woven Cotton Fabrics > 85% > 200 G/M2 6 0.00 113.34
162 Bread, Pastry & Cakes 6 0.00 0.00
163 Records & Tapes 5 0.00 0.00
164 X-Ray Apparatus 5 0.00 0.00
165 Dried Vegetables 5 0.00 0.00
166 Food Preparations 5 0.00 -49.24
167 Machinery For Sorting Screening Minerals 5 0.00 285.98
168 Parts For Machine Tools 5 0.00 -34.09
169 Felt Garments 5 0.00 -73.06
170 Plastic & Rubber Footwear 5 0.00 0.00
171 Vulcanized Rubber Tubes 5 0.00 0.00
172 Ink Jet Printers 5 0.00 306.33
173 Refractory Bricks 4 0.00 0.00
174 Pictures & Photos 4 0.00 52.23
175 Refractory Cements 4 0.00 -79.22
176 TV Receivers 4 0.00 -37.89
177 Vegetable Plaiting Materials 4 0.00 48.51
178 Plastic Containers 4 0.00 -65.60
179 Electric Lasers 4 0.00 -74.97
180 Articles of Wood 4 0.00 34.22
181 Soap 4 0.00 -22.28
182 Tableware & Kitchenware 4 0.00 0.00
183 Air & Vacuum Pumps 4 0.00 -71.50
184 Collectors Items of Botanic 4 0.00 -91.04
185 Dental Preparations 4 0.00 -74.94
186 Parts of Railway Locomotives 4 0.00 0.00
187 Retread & Used Tires 4 0.00 -28.58
188 Engines & Motors 4 0.00 0.00
189 Woven Fabrics of Silk 3 0.00 0.00
190 Filters & Centrifuges 3 0.00 -53.91
191 Articles of Vulcanized Rubber 3 0.00 -23.99
192 Pulley Tackle & Hoists 3 0.00 0.00
193 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts 3 0.00 382.15
194 Bulbs 3 0.00 365.65
195 Oils From High Temp Coal Tar 3 0.00 0.00
196 Paper Labels 3 0.00 0.00
197 Checks & Stamps 3 0.00 0.00
198 Glass Fibers & Articles 3 0.00 9.74
199 Instruments for Measure & Check Flow 3 0.00 -13.76
200 Parts of Electric Motors 3 0.00 -98.14
201 Moving & Grading Machinery 3 0.00 -90.64
202 Carpentry of Wood 2 0.00 -81.40
203 Knitted Womens & Girls Suits 2 0.00 -26.82
204 Plastic Household Articles 2 0.00 -80.89
205 Densified Wood Blocks 2 0.00 -42.02
206 Switching Equipment, > 1000 V 2 0.00 0.00
207 Physical Exercise Equipment 2 0.00 0.00
208 Articles of Leather 2 0.00 0.00
209 Buttons 2 0.00 0.00
210 Human Blood 2 0.00 120.15
211 Electric Capacitors 2 0.00 101.90
212 Microphones 2 0.00 -94.87
213 Optical Telescopes 2 0.00 0.00
214 Basketwork 2 0.00 -10.51
215 Other Footwear 2 0.00 21.37
216 Auxiliary Machinery For Textile Machines 2 0.00 -53.12
217 Lamps & Lighting Fittings 2 0.00 0.00
218 Articles of Jewelry & Parts 2 0.00 -94.88
219 Peanuts 2 0.00 -78.93
220 Prepared Fruit 2 0.00 -92.25
221 Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media 2 0.00 76.56
222 Fruit & Vegetable Juice 2 0.00 -88.98
223 Hair Preparations 2 0.00 0.00
224 Iron Ores & Concentrates 2 0.00 0.00
225 Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts 1 0.00 -74.28
226 Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits 1 0.00 -91.82
227 Glass Containers For Packing 1 0.00 0.00
228 Household Art & Parts 1 0.00 7.04
229 Festive & Entertainment Art 1 0.00 0.00
230 String Musical Instruments 1 0.00 0.00
231 Extracts of Coffee 1 0.00 0.00
232 Cereal Flours 1 0.00 0.00
233 Dishwashing & Packaging Machines 1 0.00 0.00
234 Machine Tools For Working Stone 1 0.00 0.00
235 Radar Apparatus & Navigation 1 0.00 0.00
236 Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments 1 0.00 -94.94
237 Mattress Supports 1 0.00 7.31
238 Misc Headgear 1 0.00 0.00
239 Made-Up Articles of Textile Materials 1 0.00 0.00
240 Photographic Chemicals 1 0.00 0.00
241 Bells & Ornaments 1 0.00 -57.62
242 Animal Feed 1 0.00 0.00
243 Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes 1 0.00 -99.19
244 Cigars & Cigarettes 1 0.00 -99.09
245 Vegetable Products 1 0.00 0.00
246 Woven Cotton Fabrics – < 85% < 200G/M2 1 0.00 0.00
247 Tape Recorders 1 0.00 0.00
248 Files, Pliers & Shears 1 0.00 0.00
249 Foods Prepared By Cereal Grain 1 0.00 0.00
250 Knitted Sweaters 1 0.00 -27.07
251 Tools For Working in the Hand 1 0.00 -84.42
252 Polymers of Ethylene 1 0.00 0.00
253 Natural Sands 1 0.00 0.00
254 Antiques > 100 Years Old 1 0.00 -96.29
255 Foliage 1 0.00 -11.91
256 Photocopy Apparatus 1 0.00 -99.28
257 Molding Boxes For Metal Foundry 1 0.00 0.00
258 Knit &Lace Hats 1 0.00 -85.96
259 Imitation Jewelry 1 0.00 -93.97
260 Honey 1 0.00 0.00
261 Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts 1 0.00 -78.18
262 Knives & Blades For Machines & Appliances 1 0.00 0.00
263 Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods 0 0.00 -94.21
264 Builders Ware of Plastics 0 0.00 0.00
265 Cycle Parts & Assessories 0 0.00 0.00
266 Photo Plates & Film 0 0.00 0.00
267 Video Recording Equipment 0 0.00 0.00
268 Plastic Sheets, Film & Plates 0 0.00 0.00
269 Electric Water Heaters 0 0.00 0.00
270 Non-Knit Womens & Girls Blouses 0 0.00 -95.93
271 Tube & Pipe Fittings 0 0.00 -97.85
272 Handsaws & Metal Parts 0 0.00 0.00
273 Cassava 0 0.00 -63.15
274 Bras 0 0.00 -89.38
275 Pepper 0 0.00 0.00
276 Textile Footwear 0 0.00 -56.66
277 Printed Circuits 0 0.00 0.00
278 Optical Elements 0 0.00 0.00
279 Clasps, Buckles & Hooks 0 0.00 0.00
280 Aluminum Bars 0 0.00 0.00
281 Tanks – > 300 Liter 0 0.00 0.00
282 Cyanides 0 0.00 0.00
283 Mineral Substances 0 0.00 0.00
284 Wigs of Hair 0 0.00 -90.08
285 Electromech Domestic Appliances 0 0.00 0.00
286 Cinematographic Cameras & Projectors 0 0.00 0.00
287 Brooms & Mops 0 0.00 -84.93
288 Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts 0 0.00 -98.62
289 Electric Light Equipment 0 0.00 -88.52
290 Woven Fabric -Over 85% Synthetic > 170G/M2 0 0.00 0.00
291 Electromagnets 0 0.00 0.00
292 Liquid Crystal Devices 0 0.00 0.00
293 Piston Engines 0 0.00 0.00
294 Knotted Carpets 0 0.00 0.00
295 Plastic Floor Cover & Wall Cover 0 0.00 -98.29
296 Electric Parts & Accessories 0 0.00 0.00
297 Refrigerators & Freezers 0 0.00 -99.51
298 Electric Storage Batteries 0 0.00 0.00
299 Pumice 0 0.00 -99.98
300 Twine 0 0.00 0.00
301 Glassware For Table 0 0.00 -98.31
302 Goat Leather – No Hair 0 0.00 0.00
303 Ginger, Thyme & Spices 0 0.00 0.00
304 Wine 0 0.00 0.00
305 Railway Fixtures 0 0.00 0.00
306 Aluminum Casks 0 0.00 0.00
307 Inorganic Acids 0 0.00 0.00
308 Swords 0 0.00 0.00
309 Electrical Resistors 0 0.00 0.00
310 Watches 0 0.00 0.00
311 Sodium Hydrox 0 0.00 -99.95
312 Portable Electric Lamps 0 0.00 0.00