Senegal: what does Turkey export there?

In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $257 million. The ten largest product groups made up 37.2% of that total, led by Hot-Rolled Iron Bars; Raw Iron Bars; Iron Blocks.

Senegal: who are its main trading partners?

The three largest import partners are France, China, India. The three largest export partners are Mali, India, Switzerland.

Senegal: what does the country import?

The three largest import products are Refined Petroleum; Crude Petroleum; Rice. The three largest export products are Refined Petroleum; Gold; Phosphoric Acid.

Senegal: how big is the economy?

Population 16 million, GDP $16 billion, and $1,033 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.505.

Senegal: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?

The trade balance is -$4.3B in net imports.

Senegal: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?

Cargo bound for Senegal needs a validated electronic cargo tracking note (BSC) for each commodity on the bill of lading, managed through the Senegalese shippers' council (COSEC).

Senegal: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?

Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Country Profiles

Senegal

The Republic of Senegal is located in West Africa and it is bordered by Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Mauritania. The population of Senegal is 16 million and its GDP is $16 Billion.

Senegal gained independence from France in 1960. French is the official language. Its capital city is Dakar with a population of around 1 million people.

Senegal’s trade partners are Mali, France and China. Senegal is one of the most important fishing countries in Africa. Gold and petroleum refinery also play an important role in Senegal’s economy. Finally, Senegal has rich sources of Phosphat. As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal has close trade relationships Mali and Ivory Coast.

Turkey and Senegal have close commercial relations in the last decade. The exports to Senegal increased from $108 Million to $257 Million in the last 10 years. The development of bilateral relations agreement was signed between Turkey and Senegal in December 2017. Many Turkish construction companies have ongoing activities in Senegal. For example, Yapı Merkezi was the contractor of a €373 Million high-speed train project in Senegal. Finally, due to the development of relations, the General Manager of Turkish Eximbank was given the State Order of Senegal.

Below, you can see the fact sheet, macroeconomic outlook and trade relations of Senegal with Turkey.

Four charts for Senegal. Population rises from about 10 million in 2000 to 15 million in 2017. GDP grows from about US$5 billion to US$21 billion. Total imports run about twice exports, around US$7.7 billion against US$3.5 billion at the end of the period. Imports from Turkey rise to about US$270 million while exports to Turkey stay close to zero.

Turkey's exports to Senegal in 2008 and 2017: a pie chart splitting the ten largest product groups from all others, the total value of exports, and a table naming those ten products with each one's share. The same figures are listed as a table further down this page.

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Country at a glance

Capital city: Dakar
Official language: French
Population: 16 million
GDP: $16 billion
GDP per capita: $1,033
Human Development Index: 0.505

Top 3 import partners: France, China, India
Top 3 export partners: Mali, India, Switzerland
Top 3 import products: Refined Petroleum, Crude Petroleum, Rice
Top 3 export products: Refined Petroleum, Gold, Phosphoric Acid
Trade balance: -$4.3B in net imports

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report (2019). Figures as published, reflecting data to 2017.

Senegal: practical trade guide

What a shipment between Turkey and this market needs, how the goods get there, and what to settle before you sign.

Main ports: Dakar
Currency: West African CFA franc (pegged to the euro) (XOF)
Trade blocs: AfCFTA, ECOWAS, WAEMU
Trade agreement with Turkey: None in force: standard duties generally apply

Specific to Senegal

Cargo bound for Senegal needs a validated electronic cargo tracking note (BSC) for each commodity on the bill of lading, managed through the Senegalese shippers' council (COSEC).

The CFA franc's peg to the euro makes euro-denominated contracts simple to price.

Standard documents

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of origin issued by a Turkish chamber of commerce
Insurance certificate when the Incoterm includes insurance (CIF, CIP)

Before you sign

Check the counterparty: registration, activity and references
Match the payment structure to the risk: advance or partial payment, documentary collection or a letter of credit
Confirm whether your product needs a certificate or registration in this market before production starts

Reviewed October 2026. Requirements change: confirm the current rules for your product with your forwarder, the buyer's customs broker or us before shipping.

Turkey's exports to this market

Source: Istanbul Africa Trade Company, Africa Economic Report. Figures as published.

2008

$108 million

Top 10 products account for 60.6% of the total.

2008
Product	Share of total
Hot-Rolled Iron Bars	21.5%
Baked Goods	7.4%
Industrial Furnaces	6.3%
Tulles and Net Fabric	5.3%
Iron Blocks	5.2%
Other Iron Bars	4.8%
Iron Gas Containers	3.4%
Raw Iron Bars	2.5%
Plastic Lids	2.3%
Electric Generating Sets	2%

2017

$257 million

Top 10 products account for 37.2% of the total.

2017
Product	Share of total
Hot-Rolled Iron Bars	6.3%
Raw Iron Bars	5.7%
Iron Blocks	5.2%
Cars	3.8%
Plastic Lids	3.4%
Other Iron Bars	3.1%
Iron Structures	2.8%
Cement	2.5%
Scented Mixtures	2.2%
High-voltage Protection Equipment	2.1%

Frequently asked questions

Senegal: what does Turkey export there?: In 2017, Turkey's exports to this market were valued at $257 million. The ten largest product groups made up 37.2% of that total, led by Hot-Rolled Iron Bars; Raw Iron Bars; Iron Blocks.
Senegal: who are its main trading partners?: The three largest import partners are France, China, India. The three largest export partners are Mali, India, Switzerland.
Senegal: what does the country import?: The three largest import products are Refined Petroleum; Crude Petroleum; Rice. The three largest export products are Refined Petroleum; Gold; Phosphoric Acid.
Senegal: how big is the economy?: Population 16 million, GDP $16 billion, and $1,033 per person. The Human Development Index is 0.505.
Senegal: does it run a trade surplus or a deficit?: The trade balance is -$4.3B in net imports.
Senegal: which ports handle goods from Turkey?: The main ports are Dakar.
Senegal: what does a shipment from Turkey need beyond the standard documents?: Cargo bound for Senegal needs a validated electronic cargo tracking note (BSC) for each commodity on the bill of lading, managed through the Senegalese shippers' council (COSEC).
Senegal: do Turkish goods get a preferential duty rate?: Not under a bilateral agreement: Turkey's free trade agreements in force in Africa cover Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt. Standard duties generally apply, and AfCFTA preferences cover goods of African origin, not Turkish goods.

Other country profiles

Reviewed by Burak Unal, Director of African Markets