Imports from Senegal Surge, Deepening Gambia’s Record Trade Deficit

Top Three Imported Products, Data from GBOS Imports of Selected Products for 2024 © Askanwi

By Edward Francis Dalliah

The Gambia’s trade statistics for 2024 reveal a sharp rise in imports from Senegal, which nearly doubled compared to the previous year—solidifying Senegal’s position as the country’s top trading partner. According to the Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS) International Merchandise Trade Statistics (IMTS), imports from Senegal surged from D8.5 billion in 2023 to D14.4 billion in 2024, marking a 70% increase.

This spike highlights not only deepening economic ties between the two nations but also Senegal’s growing role in supplying essential goods to the Gambian market. Belgium ranked as the second-largest source of imports, contributing D6.8 billion—a 50% increase—while China held steady in third place with D5.9 billion, up 13% from 2023. Collectively, these three countries accounted for around 40% of The Gambia’s total imports, which reached D68 billion in 2024.

2023 and 2024 Top 5 Importing Countries to The Gambia © Askanwi

Although the GBoS report does not detail the specific commodities imported from Senegal, cement, rice, and sugar featured prominently under the “Imports of Selected Products for 2024” section. Their prevalence underscores The Gambia’s continued reliance on external sources for key food and construction materials. Senegal’s proximity and well-developed infrastructure, especially the Trans-Gambia Corridor, further reinforce its role as a strategic trade and re-export hub for the region.

In addition to Senegal, Belgium, and China, other major import partners in 2024 included the Russian Federation (D3.5 billion), India (D3.4 billion), Brazil (D2.7 billion), Egypt (D2.7 billion), Nigeria (D2.6 billion), Spain (D2.4 billion), and the United States (D2.4 billion). While this points to some level of trade diversification, the figures also highlight The Gambia’s heavy dependence on foreign imports.

2023 and 2024 Gambian Exports to Top Three Countries © Askanwi

On the export front, The Gambia recorded D3.4 billion in total exports in 2024, down significantly from D5.2 billion in 2023. China emerged as the leading export destination, receiving over D2.6 billion worth of goods—a 25% rise from the previous year. China’s share of Gambian exports grew dramatically, rising from 42% in 2023 to 79% in 2024, signaling a growing concentration of outbound trade to a single market.

Conversely, exports to India and the United Kingdom dropped sharply. Exports to India fell from D876 million in 2023 to just D259 million in 2024—a 70% decline—while exports to the UK plummeted by 76%, from D440 million to D106 million. These declines raise concerns about The Gambia’s exposure to external demand shocks and the fragility of its export relationships.

With imports totalling D68 billion and exports at only D3.4 billion, The Gambia recorded a record trade deficit of D64.6 billion in 2024. This widening gap reflects a persistent structural imbalance, driven by high dependence on foreign goods and weak domestic export performance.

While growing trade within the ECOWAS region signals increased regional integration, it also exposes the country’s overreliance on external supply chains—particularly for agricultural and essential goods. The trade imbalance with major partners like Senegal presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities. Strengthening local production, reducing import dependency, and diversifying export markets will be crucial to achieving long-term economic resilience and self-sufficiency.