Includes the barriers (tariff and non-tariff) that U.S. companies face when exporting to this country.
Last Published: 3/26/2019

Potential barriers to U.S. exports and investment include:

  • Côte d’Ivoire’s relatively small market size; limited market data; and perceived French and European domination of the market;

  • Use of French language, business practices, and technical standards; the cost of producing sales collateral and packaging for the francophone region;

  • Higher freight rates and longer transit times between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire, in comparison to connections with Europe;

  • Favorable credit terms by European suppliers to local importers;

  • A tendency to award tenders as sole source or with limited transparency in the bidding process;

  • Uncertain legal protection due to an inefficient court system;

  • Limited and costly financing resources for U.S. exporters and Ivoirian buyers;

  • Limited Ivoirian purchasing power;

Some of these barriers are becoming easier to navigate with time.  Air and sea freight rates and transit times from the United States have decreased significantly over the past several years due to increased direct service by transportation providers as well as increased competition.
For more information and help with trade barriers please contact:

  • International Trade Administration

Enforcement and Compliance
(202) 482-0063
ECCommunications@trade.gov
http://trade.gov/enforcement/

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.