U.S. & Burkina Faso
2008 Commercial Guide
Chapter 4 - Leading Sectors for U.S. Export and Investment
Chapter 4-1 Agricultural Sectors
Excellent opportunities exist for U.S. firms to expand their market share in the following commodities: wheat and wheat flour, yellow corn semolina, and rice.
- Rice: The Burkinabe consume more than 120,000 tons of rice annually, but only 30,000 tons are cultivated locally. Burkina Faso imported from Thailand, Pakistan, and Taiwan approximately USD 83,270,364 of rice in 2005, USD 85,540,955 in 2006, and USD 74,671,844 in 2007. U.S. firms that can supply rice for popular consumption at competitive prices may tap this market.
- Wheat and wheat flour: Burkina Faso imports a large quantity of U.S. wheat flour from European wholesalers, so the direct sale of wheat by U.S. suppliers represents another option to be pursued. Burkina Faso imported USD 7,506,970 of wheat in 2006 and USD 23,065,590 in 2007. Bakers buy much of their wheat flour from the national milling company the "Grands Moulins du Faso,” a Lebanese-owned company. The company imports from the U.S., and Europe (France). The Grands Moulins du Faso has indicated that it is willing to import competitively priced flour from the United States.
- Dairy products (milk, butter, and cheese): The Netherlands and France dominate the market controlling 41.6 percent and 25 percent respectively. However, relatively few brands of butter or milk products are marketed. U.S. brands may be able to gain market share by increasing the variety of products available to consumers. Market penetration by U.S. firms depends on their ability to identify and conform to local consumer preferences.
- Other food products: Burkina Faso imported USD 16,798,412 of vegetable oil in 2005, USD 14,773,710 in 2006, and USD 17,282,893 in 2007.