Dakar – Senegal’s export sector has experienced a significant boost, with exports reaching $7.26 billion during the first nine months of 2025. This represents a substantial 52% increase compared to the same period in 2024, according to data released by the National Agency for Statistics and Demography.<\/p>\n
Mali Leads as Trading Partner<\/strong><\/p>\n The data indicates that Mali has emerged as Senegal’s primary trading partner, accounting for 20.1% of total foreign trade. Italy followed with 10.9%, and Spain with 10.6%.<\/p>\n On the import side, China maintained its position as the top supplier to Senegal, representing 17% of imports. Russia accounted for 9.9%, followed by Nicaragua at 8.4%.<\/p>\n Imports Rise, Trade Deficit Narrows<\/strong><\/p>\n Senegal’s imports totaled $9.62 billion during the same period, reflecting a slight increase of 1.2% year-on-year. Key imported goods included non-crude oil derivatives ($143 million), industrial machinery and equipment ($79 million), crude oil ($75 million), and rice ($48 million).<\/p>\n Despite the rise in imports, the trade deficit narrowed to $1.99 billion, a significant improvement compared to the $4.37 billion deficit recorded during the same period in 2024.<\/p>\n New Funding Secured Amid Credit Rating Downgrade<\/strong><\/p>\n The Senegalese Ministry of Finance announced the successful mobilization of 99 billion CFA francs ($175 million) through the issuance of government bonds in the local market, exceeding the initial target of 90 billion CFA francs ($159 million). However, this economic performance coincides with pressures on the country’s financial situation.<\/em> Standard & Poor’s recently downgraded Senegal’s sovereign credit rating from B- to CCC+ due to rising public debt, which has reached approximately 119% of GDP. The agency projects that Senegal’s financing needs in 2026 will reach 29% of GDP, with external debt servicing amounting to $4.61 billion.<\/p>\n