Niger - Distribution & Sales ChannelsNiger - Distribution & Sales
The modern distribution sector is dominated by a few medium-sized privately owned import-export firms that cover all aspects of trade from importing to retailing, but their number is decreasing. Existing alongside these companies are extremely competitive small-scale traders specializing in the wholesale and retail distribution of various consumer goods.
A very dynamic traditional or informal sector engages roughly 80 percent of the workforce. Informal traders in street markets carry out a sizable portion of domestic trade. Street vendors make up a dynamic, if somewhat marginalized, sub-component of the informal sector. In recent years, there has been a substantial build-up of more formal merchandising space.
Most products enter Niger overland by truck. These trucks load their products in the West African ports of Cotonou, Lomé and Sekondi-Takoradi. Cote d‘Ivoire ports have ceased to be popular for products destined for the Nigerien market. Nigeria is not generally used as a port of call for products destined to be shipped via truck from port to the Nigerien market. Most products shipped into Niger by truck arrive from Burkina Faso or Benin after being unloaded at one of the aforementioned West African ports.
There is substantial cross border trade between Niger and Nigeria centered in the Nigerien city of Maradi. However, such trade in other areas along the Niger/Nigeria border – particularly in Diffa - has been severely curtailed due to attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
Air freight is used for imports. Air France, DHL, Royal Air Maroc, as well as some regional African carriers serve Niger’s capital, Niamey.
The major distribution and selling points in Niger include Niamey and the cities of Zinder and Maradi. 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.
A very dynamic traditional or informal sector engages roughly 80 percent of the workforce. Informal traders in street markets carry out a sizable portion of domestic trade. Street vendors make up a dynamic, if somewhat marginalized, sub-component of the informal sector. In recent years, there has been a substantial build-up of more formal merchandising space.
Most products enter Niger overland by truck. These trucks load their products in the West African ports of Cotonou, Lomé and Sekondi-Takoradi. Cote d‘Ivoire ports have ceased to be popular for products destined for the Nigerien market. Nigeria is not generally used as a port of call for products destined to be shipped via truck from port to the Nigerien market. Most products shipped into Niger by truck arrive from Burkina Faso or Benin after being unloaded at one of the aforementioned West African ports.
There is substantial cross border trade between Niger and Nigeria centered in the Nigerien city of Maradi. However, such trade in other areas along the Niger/Nigeria border – particularly in Diffa - has been severely curtailed due to attacks by the terrorist group Boko Haram.
Air freight is used for imports. Air France, DHL, Royal Air Maroc, as well as some regional African carriers serve Niger’s capital, Niamey.
The major distribution and selling points in Niger include Niamey and the cities of Zinder and Maradi. 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.