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This report provides some useful information for U.S. companies interested in exporting food and agricultural products to Senegal. The report includes an overview of Senegal economic outlook, market structure and trends, import requirements, and top prospects of consumer-oriented products to explore for export opportunities.

Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 (August to July) is characterized by high pest infestation of cotton leafhoppers, known commonly as jassids, in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal. Post forecasts the harvested area in all three countries to fall back to the previous year level, 1.33 million hectares (MHA) due to abandoned area caused by this infestation and excess rainfall.

The fisheries sector contributes to 3.2 percent to Senegal’s gross domestic product (GDP), accounts for 10.2 percent of Senegal exports, and generated $400 million in value in 2021. There is a growing demand for high quality fish and seafood products because overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing have led to depleted fish stocks, creating market access opportunities for U.S. seafood exporters.

This is a regional report on West Africa that primarily covers Senegal, Burkina Faso, and Mali, but also provides brief overviews in certain sections for Niger, The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and Mauritania. Senegal and Mauritania passed new biosafety laws on June 14, 2022, and August 4, 2022, respectively.

Senegal Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 area and production levels are forecast to increase 1.6 percent and 7 percent at 1.23 million hectares (Mha) and 1.8 million tons (Mt), respectively, on expectations of a good farm gate price, typical weather conditions, and appropriate use of fertilizer. Post forecasts MY 2022/23 exports at 460,000 tons, increasing 15 percent compared to the previous year based on available supply and higher demand.

For Marketing Year (MY) 2022/23 (August to July) harvested area for Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal is forecast to increase eight percent to 1.44 million hectares (MHA) compared to the previous year. This increase is largely due to significant...

On June 14, 2022, a new biosecurity law was signed into effect, repealing the 2009 biosecurity law and establishing a process to allow the entry, research, and commercialization of genetically engineered (GE) products in Senegal. The functionality of the law will depend on the approval of 18 implementing decrees. A process has begun to consolidate the decrees to expedite their ratification.

Post forecast marketing year (MY) 2022/23 (August to July) area for Mali, Senegal, and Burkina Faso to increase six percent to 1.41 million hectares (Mha) compared to the previous year. However, this growth will depend on the level of government support through the farm gate and input prices which have not yet been announced.

Rice production in Senegal, Guinea, Burkina Faso, and Mali is forecast at 8.02 million metric tons (MMT) in MY 2022/23 on average weather, improved irrigation, and enhanced stability in production areas. The 15 percent jump from MY 2021/22 follows a growing season that was plagued by poor weather, militant activity and instability in Mali, and irrigation issues and pest prevalence in Senegal.

This report provides information on export certificates and other certification/accreditation required for imported food and agriculture products, including live animals.

This report is an annual update of Senegal’s food and feed regulations and governmental regulatory bodies and enforcement mechanisms. It provides information and guidance on import requirements, procedures, and documentation.

Since 2020, several west African countries such as Senegal, Mali, Gambia, Guinea, and Burkina Faso have experienced food price increases. These price increases have followed the global trend due to principally higher freight costs and the disruption of the food supply chain.