Senegal's trade balance returns to deficit in May 2026

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.