In 2023, the trade balance deficit is 2,004 billion CFA francs against 1,428 billion CFA francs in 2022. It thus recorded an increase of 576 billion CFA francs, or 40.3% compared to the previous year. This pronounced deterioration in the trade balance is the result of the decrease in export earnings of 495 billion CFA francs (14.2%), combined with the increase in import expenditure of 81 billion CFA francs (1.7%). A strong dependence on crude oil and natural gas, which account for 52% of exports Excluding crude oil, the trade balance is becoming increasingly negative: the deficit amounts to 3,131 billion CFA francs, an aggravation of 188.2 billion CFA francs (6.4% compared to 2022).
