(Ecofin Agency) - In 2018, French exports to Gabon rose to 6.25% for the first time since 2011, according to French customs authority. This data demonstrates a revival of activities after years of poor demands, from 2015 notably.

In this country of fewer than 2 million residents, French products hold a prominent place in every sector.  

During the period under review, French exports reached €459 million for the first time since 2015 when the steep decline in oil prices unbalanced Gabon’s economy.

Due to that, the local demand for French products that represent about 30% of Gabon’s imports sharply decreased (20% in 2015 and 13% in 2016).

The rise in 2018 thus translates a revival of the local demand for French products while economic activities are still weak in Gabon (1.2% growth in 2018) even compared with the average within the CEMAC zone (2% growth in 2018).

That year, Gabon became France’s second market in the sub-region, behind Cameroon whose imports from France are valued at €505 million during the period under review.

The main products that year were electrical appliances (24.5%), agribusiness products (21%) and pharmaceuticals (11%).

Stéphane Billé