Sao Tome and Principe - Agricultural SectorSTP - Agricultural Sector
The leading sectors are oil, energy, tourism, and infrastructure. The Sao Tomean government seeks to build a deep water port and improve the international airport. They believe the two projects could transform the country into a central African hub for services because of its strategic position in the Gulf of Guinea.
Agricultural production has been declining due to market size and profitability challenges. High transport costs remain a significant barrier to increased agricultural exports. However, there is great potential in the agricultural products market because the land is fertile and the weather conducive to the harvesting of tropical products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and tree seedlings.
Most of STP’s farming opportunities are untapped. There is no precedent for mass production, but gourmet and high-market value produce thrive in STP.
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.
Overview
The agricultural sector in STP is small, but expanded agricultural production, especially organic coffee and cocoa, is expected to be the main driver of economic growth over the near term. The economy is based on agriculture, with cocoa production accounting for a large percentage of total exports. There is currently one company exporting chocolate to the United States. A small amount of tropical flowers is also produced in country and exported to Europe.Agricultural production has been declining due to market size and profitability challenges. High transport costs remain a significant barrier to increased agricultural exports. However, there is great potential in the agricultural products market because the land is fertile and the weather conducive to the harvesting of tropical products including fruits, vegetables, flowers, and tree seedlings.
Most of STP’s farming opportunities are untapped. There is no precedent for mass production, but gourmet and high-market value produce thrive in STP.
Web Resources
Not availablePrepared 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.