Gambia: Trade Profile

Foreign Trade in Figures

Gambia, with its liberal and market-based economy, is open to foreign trade, which represents around 80% of the country's GDP. It is a member of the WTO and ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States).

Generally, the country is easily accessible with reduced import duties and trade-friendly regulations. Efficient ports and liberal trade policies promote re-exportation, which constitutes a significant portion of trade with foreign countries. However, there is a lack of transparency in the allocation of cutoms duties. The government aims to eliminate tariff and non-tariff barriers.

Like imports, exports are falling and the country's trade deficit remains stable, a trend which is expected to continue during the coming years.

Gambia mainly exports peanuts, fish, cotton fabric and palm kernel to Senegal, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, the UK, France and India. It mainly imports food, industrial products, fuel, machinery and equipment goods from China, Ivory Coast, the UK, Germany, Brazil and the Netherlands.

Foreign Trade Indicators	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Imports of Goods (million USD)	259	321	322	304	300
Exports of Goods (million USD)	11	13	14	15	15
Imports of Services (million USD)	94	89	86	83	-
Exports of Services (million USD)	92	132	120	104	-
Imports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	-7	9	-1	4	7
Exports of Goods and Services (Annual % Change)	2	7	9	2	4
Trade Balance (million USD)	-113	-145	-69	-86	-69
Current Account (million USD)	-66	-33	-42	63	-
Foreign Trade (in % of GDP)	97	82	78	81	78
Imports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	57	49	48	50	49
Exports of Goods and Services (in % of GDP)	40	33	30	30	29

Source: WTO - World Trade Organization ; World Bank - Last Available Data.

To go further, check out our service Import export flows

Commercial Policy

Main International Economic Cooperation: Member of World Trade Organisation
Member of African Union (AU)

Member of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Member of South Atlantic Peace and Cooperation Zone
Assessment of Commercial Policy: Country’s commercial policy
Average Customs Duty (Excluding Agricultural Products)

List of tariffs and local taxes that apply to your product on our service Customs duties and local taxes

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