Liberia Major Exports
Liberia, located on the west coast of Africa, has a resource-rich economy primarily driven by its natural resources. The country’s export sector is diverse, encompassing products such as rubber, iron ore, timber, and agricultural goods. Despite challenges like political instability and infrastructure constraints, Liberia has made strides in boosting its export economy, leveraging its abundant natural resources and key industries. Below is an overview of Liberia’s major exports and their respective trade values.
Major Export Categories
1. Rubber
Liberia is one of the largest producers of rubber in Africa, with rubber plantations being a significant contributor to the country’s export economy. The country exports both natural rubber and rubber-based products, which are in demand worldwide, especially in the automotive and manufacturing industries.
- Trade Value: Rubber exports contribute approximately $300 million annually to Liberia’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for Liberia’s rubber exports include the United States, China, and countries in Europe.
Key Products:
- Natural Rubber: Liberia exports large quantities of raw natural rubber, which is processed and used in the production of tires and other rubber products.
- Rubber Products: In addition to raw rubber, the country also exports rubber products like gloves, gaskets, and belts.
2. Iron Ore
Iron ore is one of Liberia’s most valuable natural resources, with significant reserves of high-grade ore. The country is a key exporter of iron ore, which is used primarily in the production of steel. The mining sector in Liberia has attracted foreign investment, making it a central component of the export economy.
- Trade Value: Iron ore exports contribute around $200 million annually to Liberia’s economy.
- Major export destinations for Liberia’s iron ore include China, the European Union, and other countries in Asia.
Key Products:
- Iron Ore Concentrates: Liberia exports iron ore concentrates, which are processed and used in the production of steel.
- Pellets: The country also exports iron ore pellets, which are an essential input for steelmaking.
3. Timber and Wood Products
Liberia is home to significant forest resources, and timber and wood products have long been major exports. The country’s timber industry, which is highly valued for its hardwood, serves both regional and international markets. Liberia exports a range of timber products used in construction, furniture, and manufacturing.
- Trade Value: Timber and wood product exports contribute approximately $150 million annually to Liberia’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for Liberia’s timber products include China, India, and European countries.
Key Products:
- Logs and Lumber: Liberia exports raw logs and sawn timber, particularly to Asian markets, where they are used in construction and manufacturing.
- Wooden Furniture: The country also exports handcrafted wooden furniture to international markets, particularly in Europe and the United States.
- Plywood: Liberia exports plywood and other processed wood products used in construction and furniture.
4. Cocoa and Coffee
Agriculture plays a vital role in Liberia’s economy, with cocoa and coffee being two of the country’s most important export crops. Liberia has favorable growing conditions for both crops, and their exports contribute significantly to the economy. The country’s cocoa industry, in particular, has the potential for growth as global demand for chocolate and cocoa products rises.
- Trade Value: Cocoa and coffee exports contribute approximately $200 million annually to Liberia’s export earnings.
- Major export markets for these products include the United States, Europe, and other countries in Africa.
Key Products:
- Cocoa Beans: Liberia exports cocoa beans, which are used in the production of chocolate and other cocoa-based products.
- Coffee Beans: The country also exports coffee beans, particularly Robusta coffee, which is in demand in Europe and Asia.
- Cocoa and Coffee Products: Some processed cocoa and coffee products, such as cocoa butter and roasted beans, are also exported.
5. Gold
Gold mining is an important sector in Liberia’s economy, with significant potential for growth in the coming years. Gold exports form a key part of the country’s resource-driven export economy, and the country has attracted foreign investment in its gold mining sector.
- Trade Value: Gold exports contribute around $150 million annually to Liberia’s export revenue.
- The primary markets for Liberia’s gold exports are the United States, Switzerland, and other European countries.
Key Products:
- Gold Bullion: Liberia primarily exports gold in the form of raw gold bullion.
- Gold Dust: The country also exports gold dust, which is extracted from artisanal mining operations.
6. Fish and Seafood
Liberia’s coastline along the Atlantic Ocean provides access to abundant fish and seafood resources, making it an important industry for the country’s exports. The fishing sector has seen growth in recent years, particularly in the export of fish products to regional and international markets.
- Trade Value: Fish and seafood exports contribute approximately $50 million annually to Liberia’s export economy.
- The largest markets for Liberia’s seafood exports are Europe, China, and neighboring West African countries.
Key Products:
- Frozen Fish: Liberia exports frozen fish, including tuna, mackerel, and snapper, to various international markets.
- Seafood Products: The country also exports processed seafood products, including dried and salted fish.
- Shellfish: Shellfish, such as shrimp and lobster, are also part of Liberia’s seafood export portfolio.
7. Palm Oil
Liberia has significant agricultural land suitable for palm oil production, and it is becoming an increasingly important export commodity. Palm oil is used in a variety of industries, including food production, cosmetics, and biofuels. The country’s palm oil industry has attracted foreign investment, contributing to the growth of the agricultural export sector.
- Trade Value: Palm oil exports contribute around $50 million annually to Liberia’s export revenue.
- Major markets for Liberia’s palm oil exports include Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Key Products:
- Crude Palm Oil: Liberia exports crude palm oil, which is used in food production and as a raw material in industrial applications.
- Refined Palm Oil: The country also exports refined palm oil, which is used in consumer goods such as cooking oils, soaps, and cosmetics.
Liberia’s export economy is largely driven by its natural resources, with key sectors such as mining, agriculture, and timber playing central roles. Despite challenges like infrastructure limitations, Liberia continues to build its export base, tapping into global markets for products like rubber, diamonds, and gold. The country’s natural resources and agricultural products remain essential for its economic development and integration into regional and international trade networks.
Top Products Exported by Liberia
Market Value: 3,552 (millions) – Last Updated: June, 2024
| Rank | Product | Trade Value (thousands) | Share (%) | Growth (% 5yr) |
| 1 | Vessels For Transport | 691,284 | 19.46 | 48.90 |
| 2 | Natural Rubber | 231,010 | 6.50 | 224.53 |
| 3 | Crude Oil | 221,044 | 6.22 | 0.00 |
| 4 | Non Crude Oil | 18,031 | 0.51 | 2,121.29 |
| 5 | Synthetic Rubber | 4,485 | 0.13 | 995.14 |
| 6 | Books | 2,131 | 0.06 | 9,894.65 |
| 7 | Computer & Office Machines Parts | 1,909 | 0.05 | 1,800.06 |
| 8 | Articles of Vulcanized Rubber | 1,542 | 0.04 | 21,677.36 |
| 9 | Acyclic Alcohols | 1,415 | 0.04 | 0.00 |
| 10 | Ferrous Waste & Scrap | 1,339 | 0.04 | -4.44 |
| 11 | Cocoa | 1,272 | 0.04 | 18.05 |
| 12 | Yachts & Other Pleasure Vessels | 1,269 | 0.04 | -83.76 |
| 13 | Copper Waste & Scrap | 1,265 | 0.04 | 224.19 |
| 14 | Watches with Precious Metal Case | 1,071 | 0.03 | 0.00 |
| 15 | Polymers of Ethylene | 592 | 0.02 | 0.00 |
| 16 | Palm Oil | 361 | 0.01 | 594.45 |
| 17 | Ships Derricks & Cranes | 337 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 18 | Aluminum Waste & Scrap | 331 | 0.01 | 163.62 |
| 19 | Dried Fish | 308 | 0.01 | 9,443.30 |
| 20 | Prepared & Preserved Fish | 257 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 21 | Transmission Shafts, Bearings & Parts | 249 | 0.01 | 2,321.23 |
| 22 | Aircraft Parts | 235 | 0.01 | 0.00 |
| 23 | Telephone, Fax & Switching Apparatus | 189 | 0.01 | 102.17 |
| 24 | Tobacco | 158 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 25 | Aircraft Engines | 145 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 26 | Structures & Parts of Iron or Steel | 109 | 0.00 | 1,349.13 |
| 27 | Cotton | 108 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 28 | Knitted Gloves | 93 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 29 | Frozen Fish | 90 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 30 | Leather Footwear | 77 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 31 | Transister & Semiconductor Devices | 74 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 32 | Halogenated Derivatives of Hydrocarbons | 63 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 33 | Bread, Pastry & Cakes | 62 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 34 | Apparel & Accessories of Rubber | 62 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 35 | Ball & Roller Bearings & Parts | 58 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 36 | Machinery Parts | 57 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 37 | Non-Knit Track Suits | 56 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 38 | Containers of Transport | 54 | 0.00 | 1,671.77 |
| 39 | Cow &Horse Hides -No Hair | 54 | 0.00 | -6.30 |
| 40 | Instruments For Physical or Chemical Analysis | 51 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 41 | Shell Fish | 51 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 42 | Lead Waste & Scrap | 50 | 0.00 | 668.51 |
| 43 | Medicines in Doses | 49 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 44 | Passenger Vehicles | 49 | 0.00 | 3,223.14 |
| 45 | Bed & Table Linen | 48 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 46 | Engine Parts | 47 | 0.00 | -78.74 |
| 47 | Articles of Plastics | 47 | 0.00 | -26.40 |
| 48 | Other Animals | 46 | 0.00 | 162.91 |
| 49 | Floating Structures, Rafts & Buoys | 44 | 0.00 | 604.11 |
| 50 | Computers, Printers & Storage Units | 42 | 0.00 | -87.31 |
| 51 | Washers & Dryers | 42 | 0.00 | 5,000.61 |
| 52 | Coffee | 42 | 0.00 | -89.33 |
| 53 | Insulated Wire & Cable | 42 | 0.00 | 905.99 |
| 54 | Coconut Oil | 38 | 0.00 | 137.94 |
| 55 | Pens & Mechanical Pencils | 34 | 0.00 | 1,703.04 |
| 56 | Precious & Semiprecious Stones | 31 | 0.00 | 26.73 |
| 57 | Pictures & Photos | 30 | 0.00 | 716.96 |
| 58 | Cel Phones, Video Recorders & Radio Transcievers | 29 | 0.00 | -7.84 |
| 59 | Steam Turbines | 26 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 60 | Original Sculptures & Statues | 22 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 61 | Worn Clothing | 21 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 62 | Seamless Iron & Steel Tubes & Pipes | 20 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 63 | Food Preparations | 18 | 0.00 | 1,863.07 |
| 64 | Reception Apparatus For Radiotelephony | 17 | 0.00 | 652.64 |
| 65 | Pumps For Liquids | 15 | 0.00 | -18.68 |
| 66 | Video Recording Equipment | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 67 | Coin | 14 | 0.00 | 546.26 |
| 68 | Mechanical Machinery & Parts | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 69 | Knitted Pantyhose | 14 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 70 | Air & Vacuum Pumps | 13 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 71 | Electric Motors & Generators | 13 | 0.00 | 81.47 |
| 72 | Knotted Carpets | 12 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 73 | Chain & Parts | 11 | 0.00 | -58.16 |
| 74 | Bells & Ornaments | 11 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 75 | Radar Apparatus & Navigation | 10 | 0.00 | -72.05 |
| 76 | Electric Capacitors | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 77 | TV Receivers | 9 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 78 | Television, Radio & Assessory Parts | 9 | 0.00 | 193.84 |
| 79 | Wheat | 9 | 0.00 | -11.95 |
| 80 | Electric Generating Sets & Rotary Converters | 9 | 0.00 | -91.66 |
| 81 | Compasses & Navigation Instruments | 9 | 0.00 | 69.65 |
| 82 | Plastic Tubes | 9 | 0.00 | 13.77 |
| 83 | Pulley Tackle & Hoists | 8 | 0.00 | 300.78 |
| 84 | Specialized Electrical Machinery & Parts | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 85 | Candy | 8 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 86 | Printed Circuits | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 87 | Seats & Parts | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 88 | Water Heaters | 7 | 0.00 | 293.02 |
| 89 | Refractory Ceramic Goods | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 90 | Electric Lasers | 7 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 91 | Parts For Fork Lifts, Bulldozers & Graders | 6 | 0.00 | -25.52 |
| 92 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Shirts | 6 | 0.00 | 327.95 |
| 93 | Switches, Relays & Fuses < 1000 Volts | 6 | 0.00 | 243.07 |
| 94 | Tea | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 95 | Electromagnets | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 96 | Engines & Motors | 5 | 0.00 | -89.77 |
| 97 | Perfumes & Toilet Waters | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 98 | Gold | 5 | 0.00 | -97.34 |
| 99 | Articles of Jewelry & Parts | 5 | 0.00 | 216.56 |
| 100 | Electric Storage Batteries | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 101 | Food & Drink Preparation Machines | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 102 | Plastic & Rubber Footwear | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 103 | Knitted T-Shirts | 5 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 104 | Refrigerators & Freezers | 4 | 0.00 | 320.41 |
| 105 | Motor Vehicle Parts | 4 | 0.00 | 456.49 |
| 106 | Dried Vegetables | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 107 | Liquid Crystal Devices | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 108 | Wire & Rods | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 109 | Woven Pile & Chenille Fabrics | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 110 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Suits | 4 | 0.00 | -97.42 |
| 111 | Taps, Cocks & Valves | 4 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 112 | Medical, Dental & Vet Instruments | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 113 | Knitted & Crocheted Fabrics | 3 | 0.00 | -76.56 |
| 114 | Orthopedic Appliances | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 115 | Measuring or Checking Instruments | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 116 | Collectors Items of Botanic | 3 | 0.00 | -99.29 |
| 117 | Screws, Bolts & Nuts | 3 | 0.00 | -89.56 |
| 118 | Polymers of Propylene & Other Olefins | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 119 | Other Footwear | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 120 | Hand Tools | 3 | 0.00 | -36.81 |
| 121 | Clasps, Buckles & Hooks | 3 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 122 | Glass Beads & Articles | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 123 | Woven Cotton Fabrics – > 85% < 200G/M2 | 2 | 0.00 | -34.71 |
| 124 | Electrical Switching Boards | 2 | 0.00 | 132.31 |
| 125 | Instruments for Measure & Check Flow | 2 | 0.00 | -72.39 |
| 126 | Records & Tapes | 2 | 0.00 | -95.62 |
| 127 | Electronic Integrated Circuits | 2 | 0.00 | -91.69 |
| 128 | Looseleaf Binder Fittings & Paper Clips | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 129 | Electric Ignition Equipment | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 130 | Chocolate | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 131 | Furniture & Parts | 2 | 0.00 | -97.00 |
| 132 | Ethers | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 133 | Electric Sound & Visual Signaling Apparatus | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 134 | Handbags, Wallets & Travel Goods | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 135 | Live Fish | 2 | 0.00 | -90.44 |
| 136 | Sand Blasting Machines | 2 | 0.00 | -74.65 |
| 137 | Weighing Machines | 2 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 138 | Transformers, Converters & Power Supplies | 2 | 0.00 | -97.92 |
| 139 | Mattress Supports | 2 | 0.00 | 19.85 |
| 140 | Tools For Working in the Hand | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 141 | Live Plants | 1 | 0.00 | -67.44 |
| 142 | Hardware For Furniture, Doors & Windows | 1 | 0.00 | 36.30 |
| 143 | Articles of Aluminum | 1 | 0.00 | 40.67 |
| 144 | Automatic Regulating & Control Instruments | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 145 | Paint & Varnish | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 146 | Knitted Track Suits | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 147 | Articles of Iron & Steel | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 148 | Clocks | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 149 | Electric Water Heaters | 1 | 0.00 | -99.47 |
| 150 | Vessels Including Warships & Lifeboats | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 151 | Filters & Centrifuges | 1 | 0.00 | -97.73 |
| 152 | Beauty & Make-up Perparations | 1 | 0.00 | 10.00 |
| 153 | Household Art & Parts | 1 | 0.00 | -78.26 |
| 154 | Parts of Electric Motors | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 155 | Articles of Copper | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 156 | Non-Knit Womens & Girls Overcoats | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 157 | Animal Feed | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 158 | Personal Toilet Preparations | 1 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 159 | Knitted Sweaters | 1 | 0.00 | -99.61 |
| 160 | Photographic Still Cameras | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 161 | Bicycles | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 162 | Textile Footwear | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 163 | Plastic Household Articles | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 164 | Non-Knit Mens & Boys Suits | 0 | 0.00 | -99.91 |
| 165 | Office Paper | 0 | 0.00 | -85.38 |
| 166 | Mineral Substances | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 167 | Prepared Unrecorded Sound Media | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 168 | Mineral Wools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 169 | Electrical Resistors | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 170 | Ceramic Tableware of Porcelain & China | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 171 | Padlocks | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 172 | Trucks | 0 | 0.00 | -98.84 |
| 173 | Petroleum Coke | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 174 | Air Conditioners | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 175 | Microphones | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 176 | Felt Garments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 177 | Puzzles, Models & Toys | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 178 | Knitted Made-Up Clothing Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 179 | Electric Parts & Accessories | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 180 | Oscilloscopes & Electrical Measuring Instruments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 181 | Sauces & Condiments | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 182 | Solder Machines | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 183 | Photocopy Apparatus | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 184 | Hand Paintings & Drawings | 0 | 0.00 | -99.99 |
| 185 | Portable Electric Lamps | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 186 | Instruments With Electric Sound Productions | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 187 | Blankets & Traveling Rugs | 0 | 0.00 | -99.07 |
| 188 | Wood Charcoal | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 189 | Hydrometers & Thermometers | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 190 | Iron Ores & Concentrates | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 191 | Notebooks & Business Forms | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| 192 | Parts For Machine Tools | 0 | 0.00 | 0.00 |
