Côte d’Ivoire: trade surplus exceeds 2.4 trillion CFA francs in Q1 2026

Côte d’Ivoire recorded a strong improvement in its external trade position in the first quarter of 2026, with its trade surplus surpassing 2.4 trillion CFA francs, driven by robust export performance, particularly in cocoa and gold, according to financial sector data.

The expansion reflects a solid start to the year for West Africa’s second-largest economy, supported by sustained international demand for key export commodities.

Exports were mainly boosted by cocoa, the country’s leading export product, and gold, which continues to play an increasingly important role in foreign exchange earnings.

At the same time, imports saw a slight decline, helping to further widen the country’s trade surplus over the period.

The overall performance highlights the resilience of Côte d’Ivoire’s external accounts amid a global environment still marked by commodity price volatility and geopolitical uncertainty.

Authorities continue to emphasize industrial diversification and increased local processing of raw materials as key strategies to sustain external trade strength over the medium term.