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Export from Djibouti
A short guide for companies selling from Djibouti: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Djibouti sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$4.78 billion
Merchandise exports were US$4.78 billion in 2023 in Djibouti's own UN Comtrade report.
Source: UN Comtrade, Djibouti exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Services exportsEstimate
US$1.26 billion
Services exports were US$1.26 billion in 2025, a figure the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data flags as estimated.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category, Djibouti (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2023
- 1. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$539.3 million
- 2. Sunflower, safflower and cottonseed oil (HS 1512)US$426 million
- 3. Cane or beet sugar (HS 1701)US$398.6 million
- 4. Passenger cars (HS 8703)US$348.9 million
- 5. Goods transport vehicles (HS 8704)US$322.3 million
- 6. Rice (HS 1006)US$258.7 million
- 7. Coated flat steel (HS 7210)US$245.1 million
- 8. Steel bars and rods (HS 7214)US$176.3 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Chlorides and bromides (HS 2827)US$107.5 million
- 10. Dried legumes (HS 0713)US$103.4 million
- 11. Polyethylene in primary forms (HS 3901)US$88.6 million
- 12. New rubber tires (HS 4011)US$83.2 million
- 13. Polypropylene and other olefin polymers (HS 3902)US$69.4 million
- 14. Polyacetals and epoxy resins (HS 3907)US$59.3 million
- 15. Wheat flour (HS 1101)US$46.4 million
- 16. Magnets and electromagnets (HS 8505)US$45.7 million
- 17. Cold-rolled flat steel (HS 7209)US$45.6 million
- 18. Unused stamps and similar paper items (HS 4907)US$45.3 million
- 19. Electric lamps (HS 8539)US$44.1 million
- 20. Plastic sheets and film (HS 3920)US$40.2 million
- Flow X includes re-exports, which the central bank puts near 90 percent of goods exports, so most lines are goods passing through Djibouti. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Djibouti exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Where the goods go
2023, share of goods exports
- Ethiopia83.5%
- United Arab Emirates4.6%
- China2.4%
- France1.8%
- United States1.6%
- Yemen1.4%
- Somalia1.1%
- Oman0.8%
- Ethiopia takes 83.5 percent of 2023 exports by value, which reflects goods shipped through the ports of Djibouti. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Djibouti exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
2. What to look into next
Our reading
The research marks palm oil, sunflower, safflower and cottonseed oil and rice as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Djibouti’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Djibouti exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Ethiopia takes 83.5% of Djibouti’s goods exports. If you sell there, its import rules and buyer channels come first; either way, compare at least one other market before you commit.
Source: UN Comtrade, Djibouti exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Where the goods go
Promote:Global’s reading of the figures above, not a source’s statement, and not advice.
3. Trade agreements
What each arrangement can mean for a seller, and its limits. A preference is conditional: check the rules of origin before you quote.
COMESA Free Trade Area
Goods that meet COMESA origin rules can enter other participating COMESA states duty free.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check each destination's participation and origin rules before you claim it.
Source: Mauritius trade ministry, Mauritius Trade Easy, COMESA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)
As of 2022, per the WTO review, Djibouti's AfCFTA tariff schedule was still being prepared, so check each partner's schedule before relying on AfCFTA rates.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm Djibouti's published schedule before you quote an AfCFTA rate.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
AGOA
Djibouti is on the 2026 beneficiary list, so eligible goods can enter the United States duty free.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Public Law 119-103 extends the program to December 31, 2028, and the 2027 eligibility review is under way.
Source: Federal Register notice, AGOA eligibility review, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Everything But Arms (European Union)
As a least developed country, Djibouti's goods can enter the European Union duty free and quota free, except arms.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. A new Generalised Scheme of Preferences Regulation applies from January 1, 2027; check Djibouti’s listing under it then.
Source: European Commission, Everything But Arms scheme and country list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more agreements
Developing Countries Trading Scheme, Comprehensive Preferences (United Kingdom)
Djibouti is a least developed country on the Comprehensive Preferences tier, so goods that meet the scheme rules enter the United Kingdom at the tier rate.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Tiers are reviewed, so check the current list before you quote.
Source: United Kingdom government, DCTS preference tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
Eastern and Southern Africa-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
Djibouti is not a party, so its goods use Everything But Arms in the European Union rather than this agreement.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Djibouti had neither signed nor withdrawn from the negotiations as of 2022.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Djibouti
- Register the business in the commerce register and with the tax directorate; the formalities for importers also cover exporters.Office Djiboutien de la Propriété Industrielle et CommercialeRegister within one month of creating the companyOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ODPIC, commerce and companies register (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Check the national standard or conformity requirement for your product with the national standards agency; Codex food standards became national standards in December 2025.Agence Djiboutienne des Normes et de la QualitéOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Djibouti Official Journal, issue of December 15, 2025 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 15, 2025
- For live animals and animal products, get a sanitary certificate from the veterinary services directorate of the agriculture ministry.Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Eau, de la Pêche, de l'Élevage et des Ressources HalieutiquesDJF 400 per large ruminant and DJF 200 per small ruminant, as of 2022Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
- Ask for a certificate of origin: the trade ministry issues COMESA certificates, and the chamber of commerce issues them for other agreements.Ministère du Commerce et du Tourisme; Chambre de Commerce de DjiboutiOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
Show 1 more export step
- File the customs declaration electronically in e-Guichet, the customs window on ASYCUDA World, directly or through an approved customs broker; paper filing is allowed only on a technical failure.Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits IndirectsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Djibouti Official Journal, 2026 finance law (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 31, 2025
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Trade and Tourism Ministry and INSTAD. Each card links to the organization’s own site.
Each card says what it can help with:Get adviceFind financeMeet requirementsResearch markets
Export development and market information
Trade and tourism ministry
Trade and Tourism Ministry
Ministère du Commerce et du Tourisme
Sets trade policy, negotiates trade agreements and supervises the standards agency, the commerce registry and the chamber of commerce.
- Research markets
National statistics office
INSTAD
Institut National de la Statistique de Djibouti
Compiles official statistics under the economy ministry, which has the duty to centralize and publish official data.
Visit INSTAD (opens in a new tab)Source: INSTAD, foreign trade bulletins page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 5 more organizations
Regional trade community
COMESA
Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa
Regional body
Runs the free trade area in which Djibouti has traded originating goods duty free since October 2000.
Visit COMESA (opens in a new tab)Source: Mauritius trade ministry, Mauritius Trade Easy, COMESA page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Continental trade secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
Regional body
Publishes the continental agreement, its legal instruments, the e-tariff book and the Guided Trade Initiative pages.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Get advice
Regional development authority
IGAD
Intergovernmental Authority on Development
Regional body
Works on regional trade and transport facilitation along the Djibouti to Addis Ababa corridor from its headquarters in Djibouti.
Visit IGAD (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
- Find finance
Export credit insurer
ICIEC
Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit
Multilateral body
Insures export credit and investment against commercial and political risks, with Djibouti among its members per the WTO review.
Visit ICIEC (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
- Research markets
Global trade rules body
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Sets global trade rules; Djibouti is a member since 1995 and its trade policy review is published here.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Djibouti member information page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
Djibouti Customs
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects
Runs customs procedures under the Customs Code, including declarations in the electronic customs system.
Visit Djibouti Customs (opens in a new tab)Source: Djibouti Official Journal, 2026 finance law (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 31, 2025
- Meet requirements
Budget, tax and customs ministry
Budget Ministry
Ministère du Budget
Runs budget, customs and tax policy, collects revenue, and keeps the land registry and cadastre.
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
ADN
Agence Djiboutienne des Normes et de la Qualité
Develops and approves national standards, handles metrology and assesses conformity; it is also the national enquiry point for technical and sanitary trade rules.
Visit ADN (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
- Meet requirements
Agriculture and fisheries ministry
Agriculture Ministry
Ministère de l'Agriculture, de l'Eau, de la Pêche, de l'Élevage et des Ressources Halieutiques
Controls veterinary and food safety, sets sanitary norms for national production and oversees the national food analysis laboratory.
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Food analysis laboratory
Food Analysis Laboratory
Laboratoire National d'Analyses Alimentaires
Tests food and water samples to support veterinary and food safety controls on exports and imports.
Visit Food Analysis Laboratory (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
Chamber of Commerce
Chambre de Commerce de Djibouti
Issues certificates of origin for trade agreements other than COMESA and speaks for exporters such as salt producers.
Visit Chamber of Commerce (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of September 7, 2022
6. Worth knowing
Re-exports dominate trade
INSTAD's customs-regime table puts re-exports at 97.3 percent of Djibouti's exports in January to August 2026.
What to do: Ask the seller whether a product is made in Djibouti before you treat Comtrade export figures as local supply.
Sources: INSTAD, monthly foreign trade bulletin, August 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Central Bank of Djibouti, annual report 2024 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Export bans and fees
As of 2022, wood and coral exports are banned and livestock exports need a sanitary certificate; Lake Assal salt and bromide exports pay a royalty since 2024.
What to do: Confirm the current bans and fees with customs and the veterinary services before you quote a price.
Sources: WTO Trade Policy Review of Djibouti, report WT/TPR/S/430, 2022 (opens in a new tab); Djibouti Official Journal, 2024 finance law (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Currency and settlement
Since January 1, 2026, a 0.2 percent tax is withheld on outgoing international transfers, capped at DJF 17,721 per transfer except between accounts at one bank.
What to do: Ask your bank whether the tax applies to your payments abroad before you agree contract terms.
Sources: Djibouti Official Journal, 2025 amending finance law (in French) (opens in a new tab); Djibouti Official Journal, transfer tax order 2026-087 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
7. How Promote:Global helps
- Compare potential export marketsSee which markets import what you sell, ranked on public trade data, and read each country before you commit.
- Check duties and document requirementsCheck the duty, the origin conditions for a preferential rate and the documents a shipment needs.
- Find advisors and service firmsAsk an advisory firm a scoped, paid question, or browse firms that list their own services, from legal work to logistics.
- Organize your next stepsKeep each product and market in a project, with a roadmap of steps you work through.
Turn this guide into your Djibouti project.
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Promote:Djibouti is an independent guide by Promote:Global, not an official government portal. The organizations named here are independent public and membership bodies, not Promote:Global partners, and every link goes to their own site.
Facts read from public sources, with an editorial cut-off of October 31, 2026. Nothing here is investment, legal, tax or sanctions advice. Check current status with the organization before you rely on it.