U.S. total trade with Sub-Saharan Africa (exports plus imports) increased 44 percent in the first half of 2008 from the same period in 2007, as both exports and imports grew.  U.S. exports increased by 23 percent to $8.2 billion, driven by growth in several sectors including: vehicles and parts, wheat, non-crude oil, and electrical machinery (including telecommunications equipment).  Of the top five African destinations for U.S. products, exports to South Africa rose by 25 percent, to Nigeria by 46 percent, to Angola by 38 percent to Benin by 337 percent (due to a large increase in the export of non-crude oil and vehicles and parts), and to Ghana by 47 percent.

U.S. imports in the first half of 2008 increased by 49 percent to $45.7 billion, compared to the same period in 2007.  This growth continues to be due to a large increase of 59 percent in crude oil imports (accounting for 80 percent of total imports from Sub-Saharan Africa).  Imports from the oil producing countries grew in almost every case with imports from Nigeria growing by 52 percent, from Angola by 51 percent, from the Republic of Congo by 116 percent, from Chad by 116 percent, and from Equatorial Guinea by 72 percent.  Imports from Gabon declined by 14 percent.  U.S. imports from South Africa continued to show strong growth of 20 percent driven mainly by increased imports in passenger vehicles and ferroalloys.

AGOA imports were $34.6 billion, 53 percent more than in the first six months of 2007*. Petroleum products continued to account for the largest portion of AGOA imports with a 93 percent share of overall AGOA imports.  With these fuel products excluded, AGOA imports were $2.4 billion, increasing by 52 percent.  Much of this non-energy product increase was due to a 227 percent increase in imports of AGOA transportation equipment caused by a surge in imports from South Africa as new car lines produced in South Africa came on the market at the end of 2007.  AGOA minerals and metals also increased by 76 percent and AGOA chemical and related products by 25 percent.  AGOA textiles and apparel imports declined by 16 percent and AGOA agricultural products by 19 percent.  The top five AGOA beneficiary countries included Nigeria, Angola, South Africa, Republic of Congo, and Chad.  Other leading AGOA beneficiaries included Gabon, Cameroon, Lesotho, Madagascar, Kenya, Swaziland, and Mauritius

Prepared by: J. Diemond                                               

U.S. Department of Commerce

International Trade Administration

Market Access & Compliance/Office of Africa