Agricultural market intelligence, insight and analysis of interest to U.S. food and agricultural products exporters and their importing trade partners, is accessible through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)/Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) and its online portal Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN). FAS publishes market and commodity briefs, in addition to “Exporter Guides” and “Food and Agricultural Import Regulations and Standards (FAIRS)” reports. Consult an FAS Office of Agricultural Affairs for assistance with reports and data it publishes affecting agricultural production and trade for your country or region, as well as for U.S. agricultural export promotion and financing programs and food security assistance. 

Overview

Côte d’Ivoire’s agriculture sector has strong growth potential. The Ivorian government, together with donor partners, is implementing development and foreign assistance programs aimed at improving the quality and quantity of domestic agricultural production, increasing crop yields, strengthening the agro-processing value chain, and diversifying agriculture to enhance food security and self-sufficiency.

Agriculture is a critical component of Côte d’Ivoire’s economy, engaging two-thirds of the active population. The country is the world’s largest producer and exporter of cocoa beans and a major producer and exporter of coffee (robusta), palm oil, and cashew nuts. Despite this reliance on agriculture, Côte d’Ivoire has developed a sizable manufacturing sector, allowing it to exert regional economic and political influence, particularly in francophone West Africa.

In calendar year (CY) 2024 (January–December), Ivorian imports of food and agricultural products totaled $3.6 billion. In CY 2025 (January–September), imports exceeded $3.2 billion, a 22 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The food and agricultural import market remains dominated by European and Asian suppliers, benefiting from proximity to market, historic trade and cultural ties, and/or more favorable pricing arrangements. U.S. food and agricultural product exports could gain from more favorable tariff and non-tariff treatment, as well as potential relaxation of value-added tax (VAT) and surcharge levies.

Côte d’Ivoire is exhibiting strong economic growth in 2025, with inflation expected to decline to 3.1 percent (down from 3.8 percent in 2024), partly due to falling food prices.

Rice plays a central role in national food security. Côte d’Ivoire is the fifth-largest rice importer globally, with purchases reaching 1.6 million metric tons (MMT) in market year (MY) 2024/2025 (October–September), slightly down from 1.65 MMT the previous year due to domestic production gains. Rice imports place pressure on the country’s hard currency reserves. Simultaneously, Côte d’Ivoire is the sixth-largest producer of milled rice in sub-Saharan Africa, with projected output of 1.6 MMT in MY 2025/2026—a 6.7 percent increase over the previous year—driven by government interventions and infrastructure upgrades. Through the Strategic National Rice Development Plan (SNDR), the government aims to achieve full rice self-sufficiency by 2026 and become a net rice exporter by 2030, reducing reliance on non-African source countries.

To improve farmers’ livelihoods, the government seeks to accelerate agricultural raw material processing and strengthen the value chain for key commodities. In 2025, $19.8 million is being invested in the National Agricultural Investment Program (PNIA II). Currently, the country’s main agricultural products are largely exported unprocessed. The government is keen to attract foreign investment to increase domestic processing and value addition in cashew nuts, cocoa, palm oil (including biofuels, refined industrial oils, soaps, and margarines), and other products.

Recent trends highlight Côte d’Ivoire’s continued diversification of import sources for wheat, soybean meal, beef, and processed foods. Notably, imports of U.S.-origin beef and beef products surged by 200 percent in 2025 compared to the same period last year. U.S.-origin non-alcoholic beverages rose by 122 percent, while imports of soups and other food preparations increased 45 percent, reflecting efforts to secure high-quality food supplies, adapt to evolving consumer preferences, and strengthen food security through trade diversification.

In 2024, Côte d’Ivoire imported $852 million worth of consumer-oriented food and agricultural products. Imports from the United States remain low relative to those from the European Union, primarily France, the Netherlands, and Spain.
The food retail industry continues to expand, with sales totaling $48.8 billion in 2024 and projected growth of 10 percent in 2025. Large-scale distribution, covering 15–25 percent of food purchases, is growing, creating new opportunities for imported products.

The food processing industry is diversifying across sugar, milling, fruit juice, dairy products, breweries, and vegetable oils. In 2024, investments totaled $750 million, boosting local employment and production capabilities.
Côte d’Ivoire’s food service sector recorded $1.4 billion in sales in 2024, a 7.6 percent increase from $1.3 billion in 2023. Growth in 2025 is expected to stabilize, potentially slowing due in part to the presidential elections scheduled for October 2025.

Leading Sub-sectors

The Côte d’Ivoire agriculture market offers opportunities across multiple sub-sectors where U.S. companies can leverage technology, equipment, and expertise to improve productivity, processing, and value addition. Key sub-sectors include:

• Un-milled Rice, Rice Seeds, and Cultivation Equipment, Grains, and Feeds: Côte d’Ivoire continues to prioritize rice self-sufficiency and increased cereal production. Opportunities exist for high-quality rice seeds, cultivation machinery, and animal feed solutions to improve yields and support local food security initiatives.
• Agricultural Inputs (Seeds, Agro-Chemicals, Fertilizers): Increased crop yields and diversification drive demand for modern seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, and other agricultural inputs. U.S. exporters can provide high-quality products, technical guidance, and integrated crop management solutions.
• Farm Equipment and Agricultural Services (Irrigation, Farmer Training): Mechanization, modern irrigation systems, and technical services for farmers are critical to improving productivity and sustainability. U.S. firms offering farm machinery, precision irrigation technologies, and capacity-building programs can play a significant role.
• Agricultural Processing (Cocoa, Cashew Nuts, Mango, Rubber, Palm Seeds): Côte d’Ivoire seeks to expand value-added processing of key commodities to enhance exports and domestic consumption. Opportunities exist in processing equipment, storage solutions, quality control technologies, and services that increase efficiency and product quality across cocoa, cashew, mango, rubber, and palm oil value chains.
  These sub-sectors align with Côte d’Ivoire’s national agricultural development programs, including the Strategic National Rice Development Plan (SNDR) and the National Agricultural Investment Program (PNIA II). U.S. companies that combine technological innovation, capacity building, and compliance with international standards are well-positioned to support modernization, increase yields, and expand processing capabilities.

Opportunities 

Côte d’Ivoire’s agriculture sector presents significant opportunities for U.S. companies across production, processing, and supply chain services. Ivorian businesses are receptive to U.S. food and agricultural products, ranging from seeds and farm equipment to processed goods. U.S. companies currently engaged in the cocoa and cashew nut sectors may find additional opportunities to expand into related supply chain activities.

• Crop Production and Inputs: There is ongoing demand for high-quality seeds, fertilizers, agro-chemicals, and cultivation equipment. U.S. exporters can provide technical expertise, integrated crop management solutions, and modern machinery to help farmers increase yields and improve productivity.
• Livestock and Aquaculture: Côte d’Ivoire is actively developing its livestock sector under the National Livestock and Aquaculture Development Plan (PONADEPA 2022–2026), aiming to meet at least 65 percent of national animal protein demand by 2026. Fiscal incentives, such as reduced import taxes on animal feed and investment in production infrastructure, create opportunities for U.S. suppliers of animal feed, veterinary products, livestock genetics (e.g., higher-yielding cattle, poultry, and fish strains), and animal health inputs.
• Agro-Processing: Expansion in agro-processing is a government priority, supported by tax exemptions and other incentives. Opportunities exist for U.S. companies to supply processing equipment, storage solutions, and quality control technologies across cocoa, cashew, mango, rubber, and palm oil value chains. To operate in this sector, licensing by the Ivorian Ministry of Agriculture is required. The primary end-users of agricultural chemical imports include farmer cooperatives, professional associations, and large agro-businesses, with most agricultural chemicals being imported.

These opportunities are reinforced by Côte d’Ivoire’s broader development goals: improving food security, increasing domestic production, and promoting value addition in agriculture. U.S. companies that combine technological innovation, local capacity building, and compliance with Ivorian regulations are well-positioned to participate across the agriculture value chain.

Resources

Institution Role / Description

• U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) / Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS)
  U.S. government agency that promotes U.S. agricultural exports, provides market intelligence, and facilitates trade missions. U.S. companies can use FAS programs to access market data, regulatory guidance, and networking opportunities in Côte d’Ivoire.
   
• USDA/FAS - Global Agricultural Information Network (GAIN)
  Provides detailed market reports, trade data, and analysis on agricultural commodities in Côte d’Ivoire. Essential for U.S. exporters seeking informed entry strategies.
   
• Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development
  Government ministry responsible for national agriculture policy, crop production programs, and regulatory oversight. Licensing for agricultural imports and agro-processing often flows through this ministry, making it a key contact for U.S. companies.
   
• Ministry of Animal Resources and Fisheries
  Oversees livestock, poultry, fisheries, and aquaculture development. Critical for U.S. suppliers of animal feed, genetics, veterinary products, and aquaculture technology.
   
• Ministry of Environment, Sustainable Development and Ecological Transition
  Regulates environmental compliance for agriculture, agro-processing, and land use. U.S. firms must ensure adherence to environmental standards for imports, processing, and project implementation.
   
• National Agronomic Research Center (CNRA)
  Conducts agricultural research on crops, seeds, and sustainable farming practices. Collaboration with CNRA can help U.S. companies introduce advanced seed varieties, agro-technologies, and crop management solutions.
   
• Inter-Professional Fund for Agricultural Research (FIRCA)
  Funds research and development projects to improve productivity of key export crops, including cocoa and cashew. Opportunities exist for U.S. technology and service providers in R&D and value chain innovation.
   
• National Agency to Support Rural Development (ANADER)
  Provides technical assistance, extension services, and capacity building for rural farmers. U.S. companies can collaborate on training, equipment provision, and sustainable agricultural practices.
   
• Côte d’Ivoire Cotton and Cashew Council
  Oversees production, quality control, and commercialization of cotton and cashew. Key entry point for U.S. exporters of seeds, fertilizers, processing equipment, and logistics solutions.
   
• Palm Oil Council
  Public-private sector organization coordinating palm oil production, processing, and trade. Offers U.S. firms insight into investment opportunities in palm oil value chains.
   
• Crop Life Côte d’Ivoire
  Represents manufacturers and distributors of seeds, crop protection products, and agro-chemicals. U.S. exporters can partner with Crop Life to access regulatory support and market insights.
   
• Côte d’Ivoire Coffee and Cocoa Council
  Regulates coffee and cocoa production, export standards, and farmer support programs. U.S. firms engaged in equipment, logistics, and value-added processing can coordinate with the council.
   
• Organization of Agriculture Professionals in the Cotton Sector (Intercoton)
  Represents cotton industry stakeholders and promotes best practices. Useful for U.S. companies providing machinery, inputs, and training for cotton production.
   
• Côte d‘Ivoire Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  Provides business networking, trade promotion, and regulatory guidance for foreign companies. Entry point for U.S. exporters seeking partnerships or market intelligence.
   
• Ivoirian Customs Office
  Manages import/export procedures, tariff implementation, and regulatory compliance. Essential for U.S. exporters to understand customs processes and trade facilitation.
   
• National Agency for Rice Development (ADERIZ)
  Implements the Strategic National Rice Development Plan, coordinates rice production, processing, and import strategies. U.S. companies providing seeds, machinery, or irrigation solutions can collaborate with ADERIZ.