• China accounted for 25.8% of Togo’s imports, totaling CFA114.8 billion

• Total imports rose 10.9% in value and 37.4% in volume year-on-year

• Energy products led purchases, representing 17.6% of total imports

China was Togo’s leading supplier of goods in the third quarter of 2025, with exports valued at CFA114.8 billion, representing 25.8% of the country’s total imports during the period. Import volumes from China reached 158,700 tons, according to data from the National Institute of Statistics and Economic and Demographic Studies (INSEED).

France ranked a distant second, with CFA29.6 billion in exports to Togo, accounting for 6.6% of total imports. India followed with CFA27.3 billion, representing 6.1%.

Nigeria was the fourth-largest supplier in the third quarter, accounting for 5.3% of Togo’s imports. It was followed by Japan with 3.9%, Saudi Arabia with 3.7%, and Malaysia with 3.7%. Altogether, the top ten suppliers accounted for 64% of total imports during the quarter.

Over the period, Togo’s total imports reached CFA504.9 billion in value and 1.59 million tons in volume. Year-on-year, imports increased 10.9% in value and 37.4% in volume. The trade balance remained in deficit at CFA255.8 billion.

Energy products dominated the import structure. Petroleum oils and related preparations totaled CFA89.9 billion, representing 17.6% of total imports. They were followed by vehicles at CFA19.9 billion, pharmaceuticals at CFA18.0 billion, and refined palm oil at CFA16.1 billion.

These imports are partly aligned with re-export activities to other regions in the Gulf of Guinea and West Africa, through the Port of Lomé, which serves as a subregional entry point for imported goods.

Overall, the country’s supply structure shows a strong orientation toward Asian partners, including China, India and Japan, as well as energy products, although trade within WAEMU also remains significant.

Ayi Renaud Dossavi