The decline in cereal purchases and the drop in export revenues reflect a progressive restructuring of foreign trade.
According to the National Institute of Statistics, in 2025, cereal imports contracted significantly to 466,9 billion FCFA, a decrease of 14,1% over one year. They now represent 8,9% of total import spending, confirming a downward trend that began in 2024.
In detail, rice still dominates the structure of foreign purchases, with a bill of 268,7 billion FCFA (5,1% of imports), down 15,6%. Wheat and meslin follow, at 187,8 billion FCFA, or 3,6% of the total, down 12,3%. Corn remains marginal, with 10,3 billion FCFA, representing barely 0,2% of imports.
This downward dynamic could reflect the first effects of food import-substitution policies promoted by the SND30, aimed at reducing external dependence.
At the same time, export revenues are stalling. They stood at 3 084,0 billion FCFA in 2025, down 5,2%, after an 8,8% increase in 2024. Since 2022, their irregular evolution illustrates the vulnerability of commercial performance to international market fluctuations.
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