Côte d’Ivoire is moving swiftly to reduce its reliance on the United States after Washington announced steep new tariffs on Ivorian exports, a senior government official said on Wednesday.
Government spokesperson Amadou Coulibaly told reporters after a cabinet session in Abidjan that the country is already exploring alternative markets for its key exports, including cocoa, rubber, and cashew nuts.
“As an immediate step, we are looking into new destinations where our goods can find market access,” Coulibaly said.
The United States, under a trade policy shift announced by President Donald Trump on April 2, is set to impose new tariffs on imports from nearly 50 African countries. The blanket measure, which includes a minimum 10 percent rate, will come into force on April 5. For Côte d’Ivoire, the tariff rate climbs to 21 percent—posing a significant challenge for exporters targeting the U.S. market.
Although trade with the United States accounts for just 4 percent of Côte d’Ivoire’s overall export volume, officials in Abidjan are taking no chances.
“Yes, this affects us,” Coulibaly admitted. “But we are not overly alarmed. The development funding we receive from the U.S. remains intact.”
Côte d’Ivoire is the world’s largest cocoa producer and a major supplier of cashews and natural rubber. Analysts say that while the country’s trade portfolio is diverse, tariffs of this scale could increase costs for producers and reduce competitiveness in an already strained global market.
Nevertheless, Coulibaly stressed that the government remains committed to ongoing development programmes. “Our projects are backed not only by partners but also by domestic resources. In fact, most investments are being financed through the national budget,” he said.
The government’s response signals a strategic pivot—one aimed at insulating the economy from external policy shocks while reinforcing regional and international trade ties beyond traditional partners.