Doing Business in Benin

In 2007 Benin's export's amounted to $259 million. In 2007 Benin imported $1.2 billion worth of goods including foodstuffs, tobacco, petroleum products, energy products, capital goods, and used cars. Benin's major trade partners include Nigeria, France, China, Italy, Brazil, Libya, Indonesia, U.K., and Cote d'Ivoire.

Currently, trade between Benin and the United States of America is small, but interest in American products is growing. The trade balance is in favor of the United States of America and amounts to $815.2 millions. The largest sector of trade is in transportation and power generation equipment. Benin has been eligible for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) since the program began in 2000. It qualified for AGOA textile and apparel benefits in January 2004.