• French agricultural exports to Africa declined by 2% in 2024 to $5.8 billion, a loss of about $114 million

• Sub-Saharan Africa saw the sharpest drop due to lower wheat imports and rising competition

• North African imports held steady, though political tensions affected trade with Algeria

In 2024, Africa remained the third-largest market for French agricultural exports outside the European Union, but regional trends showed marked differences, according to a May 23 report by France Agrimer, the French agency for agricultural and sea product statistics.

French exports of agricultural products, food, wood, and biodiesel to Africa totaled €5.1 billion ($5.8 billion), down from €5.2 billion the previous year. This 2% decline, or about €100 million ($113.8 million), reflects broader global pressures as well as localized shifts in purchasing behavior.

In Sub-Saharan Africa, French agricultural exports dropped 3.4%, reaching €2.75 billion. The fall is primarily attributed to a 16% decline in wheat shipments, historically a key export to the region. This downturn coincides with rising competition in the grain market, especially from new players such as Russia, which has increased its presence in West African markets.

Despite the overall decline, Côte d’Ivoire led as the top importer from France in the region, with purchases totaling €444 million, up 3%, mainly due to increased imports of tobacco and wheat. Other leading destinations included South Africa (€338 million), Senegal (€282 million), and Cameroon (€206 million), though these three saw slight year-on-year declines.

By contrast, the North African market remained relatively stable, with French agricultural exports totaling €2.36 billion, the same level as in 2023. Wheat continued to dominate as the main product exported to the region, accounting for more than a third of imports.

However, political tensions influenced trade with Algeria, where imports of French dairy products fell 33% in both value and volume. Algeria has increasingly turned to Polish and Belgian suppliers to replace French goods.

France’s performance in Africa is reflective of broader global trends. Overall, French exports of agricultural and agri-food products to non-EU markets fell by 0.8% in value, with a more significant 4% decline in raw product exports.

While Africa remains a strategic market for France, especially in staple goods like wheat, competitive pressure is intensifying in both Sub-Saharan and North Africa, threatening long-standing trade dynamics.