馃嚫馃嚦SenegalWest Africa
Senegal's trade balance returns to deficit in May 2026
via SeneNews1 min read
Senegal's trade balance recorded a deficit of 13.3 billion FCFA at the end of May 2026, according to data from the National Agency of Statistics and Demography ANSD. This follows a slight surplus in April. Exports decreased by 8.2% and imports by 5.5% month-on-month. Despite a significant increase in crude oil exports, the overall trade exchanges slowed. Imports in May totaled 516.1 billion FCFA, down from 546.1 billion FCFA in April. This decline was primarily due to reduced purchases of fertilizers, other land vehicles, and animal and vegetable oils and fats. Conversely, imports of crude petroleum oil, which were absent in April, reached 62.8 billion FCFA in May, and imports of trucks and vans also increased. Compared to May 2025, imports fell by 7.4%. Cumulative imports by the end of May stood at 2,629.9 billion FCFA, a 13% decrease from 3,023.8 billion FCFA a year prior. Refined petroleum products, crude petroleum oil, machinery and equipment, rice, common metals, and pharmaceutical products remain the main imported goods. China continues to be Senegal's primary supplier, accounting for 17.4% of imports.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by SeneNews.
Must ReadThe pressure on childless women is now a public debate, fueled by testimonies from African personalities. Guinean influencer Mimiche Diabat茅 and Ivorian journalist Konnie Tour茅 have helped open up discussion on the social and digital harassment often experienced by women without children. Following their statements, many women have shared their experiences on social media, denouncing the remarks, judgments, and pressures they face. Mariame Tanou Diallo, a 27-year-old Guinean woman, married and childless, reported receiving intrusive comments about her physical appearance, with people asking if she was pregnant due to weight gain. This led her to reduce her social media presence. Mariame also experiences harassment from family and friends, who question her presumed infertility and suggest traditional healers. This situation deeply affects her emotional well-being. According to specialists and women's rights activists, this pressure is based on the widespread idea that a couple's childlessness is primarily, if not exclusively, the woman's fault. Guinean feminist Kadiatou Konat茅 stated that this perception reinforces the stigmatization of affected women. She highlighted that infertility can originate from either women or men, yet the man's role is rarely questioned. These testimonies contribute to breaking the long-held silence on this issue, highlighting the psychological, social, and economic consequences of persistent pressure on childless women. They also open a debate on th
Youssoupha Dabo, former coach of the Lions U20, has come to the defense of Pape Thiaw following Senegal's elimination from the 2026 World Cup. Dabo suggests that Thiaw risks being made a scapegoat for the team's performance. He stated that it would not be surprising to learn of Thiaw's dismissal, emphasizing that the responsibility for the team's underperformance should not rest solely on the coach. Dabo advocates for the Federation to renew its confidence in Thiaw and provide him with the necessary resources to continue his work. He believes it is too simplistic to dismiss the coach solely because of the World Cup elimination, arguing that Thiaw should not be the only one to bear responsibility.
Following Senegal's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, the future of key players like defender and captain Kalidou Koulibaly and midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye is uncertain. Factors such as age, injuries, and the rise of a new generation pose a dilemma for upcoming matches. The premature exit from the World Cup, with a 3-2 loss to Belgium, may mark the final international campaign for some veteran players. Idrissa Gana Gueye, despite being 36, remains a crucial part of the team, with no clear replacement identified. The Everton midfielder, formerly of Paris Saint-Germain, had a strong campaign despite initial difficulties. He expressed regret over the criticism directed at senior players, stating, "I find it a shame, in fact, since the beginning of the competition, and even before, that we talk a lot about the senior players, that we demonize us. The senior players are just there to ensure proper functioning, like in all teams." It remains to be seen if he will continue his international career amid the criticism. Kalidou Koulibaly, the Al-Hilal defender, experienced one of his most challenging campaigns, being relegated to the bench and ceding the captain's armband to Idrissa Gana Gueye. This marks a difficult period for the player, who has 105 national team appearances and participated in three World Cups 2018, 2022, 2026. Other players may also retire from international duty. While a new generation is emerging, the departure of these experienced players w