Resource Center
As part of its mission to foster, develop, and expand the strategic business alliance between the United States and Africa, the US-Africa Trade Commission (USAFRITC) is committed to keeping our members apprised of the most recent developments and business opportunities in the U.S. and Africa markets, as well as government reforms and the latest trade and investment figures.
Members have instant access to a wide and comprehensive range of information resources including the quarterly Business Review Africa, in addition to archived news, sector reports, white papers, discussion forums, and other useful publications and key contacts and links.
The US-Africa Trade Commission offers rich resource center to its members. Here you can find pertinent information about doing business in Africa, doing business in the United States as well as Business Directory of key business leaders, companies, services and products. Please login as member. If not already a member, please see our membership page for all membership services.
Doing business in Africa:
This can be a pleasant and profitable experience if you have the right contacts to help navigate you through an otherwise challenging commercial environment.
Africa is a fertile ground for businesses but ironically, it is one of the least exploited markets by foreign investors. The US-Africa Trade Commission offers both complimentary and fee-based market research tools to help you analyze the market, gain insight into specific sectors, understand the business environment, and plan your next move.
Why Trade and Investment?
The security and prosperity of the United States are linked with Africa’s like never before. Africa will be home to six of the ten fastest growing economies in the world in 2018 and spending by African consumers and businesses is expected to reach $5.6 trillion by 2025.
African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)
The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is the cornerstone of U.S. trade policy with sub-Saharan Africa. Since its implementation, AGOA has encouraged new investments, trade, and job creation in both the U.S. and Africa. It serves as a critical market entry point for U.S. businesses, buyers, and service providers into Africa’s largely untapped, growing markets. USAID is a key partner supporting African governments and the private sector to take advantage of AGOA for both strategic and developmental impact.
AGOA-eligible countries are encouraged to develop National AGOA Response Strategies(link is external) to help local companies take better advantage of AGOA provisions for duty-free exports to the United States.
U.S.-Sub-Saharan Africa Trade Data
- The United States had a $39.0 billion in total (two ways) goods trade with Sub-Saharan African countries during 2017. Goods exports totaled $14.1 billion; goods imports totaled $24.9 billion. The U.S. goods trade deficit with Sub-Saharan African countries was $10.8 billion in 2017.
Exports - U.S. goods exports to Sub-Saharan African countries in 2017 were $14.1 billion, up 4.6% ($621 million) from 2016. U.S. exports to the Sub-Saharan African countries account for 1.2% of overall U.S. exports in 2017.
- The top 5 U.S. export markets in the Sub-Saharan African countries for 2017 were South Africa ($5.0 billion), Nigeria ($2.2 billion), Ghana ($886 million), Ethiopia ($873 million), and Angola ($810 million).
- The top export categories (2-digit HS) in 2017 were machinery ($2.3 billion), vehicles ($1.6 billion), aircraft ($1.5 billion), mineral fuels ($1.4 billion) and electrical machinery ($864 million).
Imports - U.S. goods imports to Sub-Saharan African countries in 2017 were $24.9 billion, up 23.6% ($4.8 billion) from 2016. U.S. imports to the Sub-Saharan African countries account for 1.3% of overall U.S. imports in 2017.
- The top 5 U.S. import suppliers from the Sub-Saharan African countries for 2017 were South Africa ($7.8 billion), Nigeria ($7.1 billion), Angola ($2.6 billion), Cote d’Ivoire ($1.2 billion), and Botswana ($772 million).
- The top import categories (2-digit HS) in 2017 were mineral fuels ($11.2 billion), precious metal and stone (platinum, diamonds) ($4.1 billion), cocoa ($1.2 billion), vehicles ($1.2 billion), and iron and steel ($950 million).
Trade Balance - The U.S. goods trade deficit with Sub-Saharan African countries was $10.8 billion in 2017, a 62.1% increase ($4.1 billion) over 2016 largely due to an increase in oil imports.
Visit Office of the United States Trade Representative for details
Trade in Goods with Africa – https://www.census.gov/foreign-trade/balance/c0013.html