For the first time in five years, Africa exports more food products to America than it imports from it.
The volume of agricultural trade reached $11.57 billion.
Agricultural food trade between the United States and African countries was valued at approximately $11.57 billion in 2025, according to the latest U.S. Department of Agriculture agricultural trade forecast.
The volume of trade reached US$7.47 billion in 2024, representing an annual increase of approximately 55%, thus recording its highest level in five years. This increase reflects strong growth in both exports and imports.
Increase in African exports to the United States
U.S. imports of agricultural and food products from African countries rose to nearly $5.85 billion in 2025, an increase of 48% from $3.96 billion the previous year.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture did not specify the reasons for this increase, which may be related to increased quantities or higher global commodity prices.
Imports remain concentrated in volatile raw materials, including cocoa, coffee, cashew nuts, and spices. The composition of exports has remained largely unchanged, dominated by sub-Saharan Africa, with Côte d'Ivoire, South Africa, Ghana, Madagascar, and Kenya being the main suppliers.
Most countries in the region enjoy preferential access to the US market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which was adopted in 2000.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for approximately 80% of US imports from the continent, equivalent to $4.66 billion in 2025.
US exports to Africa are on the rise
U.S. exports of agricultural and food products to Africa rose by 61% year-on-year to reach $5.71 billion in 2025, compared to $3.5 billion in 2024.
The increased presence of American products in African markets comes as Washington expands its trade engagement across the continent. In April 2025, a regional agricultural trade mission was held in Accra, Ghana, bringing together about 90 participants, including dozens of African buyers and American exporters.
According to estimates by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the mission is expected to generate between $6 million and $8 million in new sales of U.S. meat products within six to 12 months.
Other initiatives included a soybean industry conference in Lagos in July 2025 aimed at promoting American products in Nigeria, and a trade mission to Morocco in December 2024 to expand market access.
Despite the surge in US exports, Africa recorded a slight trade surplus of $141 million. This marks the first time in five years that the continent has exported more agricultural and food products to the United States than it has imported from it.
