Traditionally Senegal’s main supplier, France has now been overtaken by China, which is set to become Senegal’s leading trading partner in 2024. According to information from the National Agency for Statistics and Demography (ANSD), there was a 17% decrease in Senegal’s imports from France in 2024. These imports amounted to 725.252 billion CFA francs, which corresponds to approximately 1.1 billion euros. Meanwhile, imports from China increased by 8.3%, reaching 848,242 billion CFA francs (approximately 1.3 billion euros). This development positions China as Senegal’s major supplier.

Ranking of Senegal’s trading partners

This shift places France in second place. Russia, the United Arab Emirates, and Belgium follow, occupying 3rd, 4th, and 5th positions, respectively, with imports of 578,966 billion CFA francs, 408,962 billion CFA francs, and 397,632 billion CFA francs.

Three other countries appear in the top ten: India (329,816 billion FCFA), Nigeria (314,782 billion FCFA), and Turkey (238,935 billion FCFA), occupying positions 6, 7, and 8 respectively. Finally, Nicaragua and the United States are at the bottom of this ranking, with imports of 229,696 billion FCFA and 198,234 billion FCFA, respectively.

These ten countries alone will account for 60% of Senegalese imports in 2024, for a total amount of 4,270 billion FCFA.

Economic Context and Implications

This shift reflects a strategic diversification of Senegal’s partnerships, aimed at reducing its historical dependence on France and attracting Asian investment. China is consolidating its presence through infrastructure, technology, and consumer goods projects.

At the same time, Senegal saw its trade deficit decrease in 2024. It is now set at 3,252.3 billion CFA francs, representing a decrease of 731.06 billion CFA francs, compared to 2023, when it stood at 3,983.4 billion CFA francs. However, imports saw a modest decrease of 0.6%, reaching a total of 7,161.4 billion CFA francs.

This turning point marks an economic and strategic reorientation in West Africa, where traditional European influence is gradually giving way to emerging powers.

China’s main exports to Senegal

China’s main exports to Senegal are concentrated in manufactured goods and equipment, reflecting a focus on economic development and infrastructure.

• Electronics (smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices, meeting the growing demand for technology)
• Machinery and equipment (industrial machinery, construction equipment, heavy equipment, and agricultural machinery, supporting infrastructure projects and mechanized agriculture)
• Textiles and clothing (clothing, footwear, and textiles, dominated by low-cost finished products)
• Construction materials (steel, cement, and building materials, essential for public and private construction sites)
• Chemicals (fertilizers, plastics, and chemical raw materials, used in agriculture and industry)
• Transportation vehicles (vehicles, motorcycles, and other means of transportation, meeting local needs)