Promote:
Export from Gabon
A short guide for companies selling from Gabon: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Gabon sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$12.7 billion
Merchandise exports were US$12.69 billion in 2023 in Gabon's own UN Comtrade report.
Source: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Services exportsEstimate
US$187.3 million
Services exports were US$187.3 million in 2025, flagged as estimated in the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data.
Source: UNCTADstat, Gabon services exports, WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2023
- 1. Crude petroleum (HS 2709)US$6.58 billion
- 2. Manganese ore (HS 2602)US$2.95 billion
- 3. Floating structures and special vessels (HS 8905)US$1.31 billion
- 4. Sawn wood (HS 4407)US$432.4 million
- 5. Wood veneer sheets (HS 4408)US$294.4 million
- 6. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$263.6 million
- 7. Cargo ships and ferries (HS 8901)US$174.5 million
- 8. Tugs and pusher craft (HS 8904)US$134 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$96.8 million
- 10. Plywood (HS 4412)US$59.8 million
- 11. Ferro-alloys (HS 7202)US$34.5 million
- 12. Seamless iron and steel tubes (HS 7304)US$30.7 million
- 13. Electric generating sets (HS 8502)US$27.7 million
- 14. Earth-moving and drilling machinery (HS 8430)US$20.4 million
- 15. Natural rubber (HS 4001)US$20.2 million
- 16. Aircraft (HS 8802)US$19.8 million
- 17. Wood flooring and profiled wood (HS 4409)US$14.2 million
- 18. Gold (HS 7108)US$14 million
- 19. Rough wood (HS 4403)US$12 million
- 20. Wooden doors, windows and joinery (HS 4418)US$10.9 million
- Crude oil and manganese ore were 75.1 percent of 2023 exports, so shares to the top destinations follow these two lines. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Ships and floating structures (HS 8901, 8904 and 8905) were 12.8 percent of 2023 exports; they stay ranked as Gabon reports them. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Flow X includes re-exports; Gabon reports no re-export flow for 2023. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
Where the goods go
2023, share of goods exports
- China27.7%
- France10.6%
- Spain5.9%
- Netherlands5.7%
- Israel5.4%
- Malaysia5%
- Italy4.7%
- India4.6%
- Shares follow oil and manganese sales, so check where each product line is sold before you assume a market. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2023
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (crude petroleum, manganese ore and refined petroleum products) make up about 77% of Gabon’s goods exports, so the totals mostly describe that trade. For another product, look at demand for your own line, market by market.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by destination, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks sawn wood, wood veneer sheets and plywood as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Gabon’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Wood flooring and profiled wood grew 70% from 2022 to 2023; wooden doors, windows and joinery grew 30% from 2022 to 2023. A growing line can mean buyers are looking for more; confirm it with that line’s buyers before you plan around it.
Source: UN Comtrade, Gabon exports by product, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
China takes 27.7% of Gabon’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, Gabon 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.
African Continental Free Trade Area
Gabon had not told the AfCFTA Secretariat that it trades under AfCFTA tariff preferences, so sellers cannot yet rely on them.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Gabon's tariff schedule was adopted but not yet gazetted in July 2026.
Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, Status of Tariff Offers, July 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
CEMAC
Gabon applies the CEMAC customs code and exchange rules, which govern how a company clears exports and collects payment.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Confirm the current common external tariff with customs before you price.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, CEMAC common report, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
ECCAS
Gabon is an ECCAS member, and the WTO review lists CEMAC and ECCAS trade preferences among its arrangements.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. No separate ECCAS tariff schedule was read; check community rules with customs.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
AGOA
As of October 31, 2026, eligible goods from Gabon can enter the United States duty free under AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Gabon was designated again from January 1, 2026, and eligibility is reviewed every year.
Source: White House, Proclamation 11030 on AGOA, May 19, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 19, 2026
Show 3 more agreements
European Union Generalised Scheme of Preferences
Gabon-made goods enter the European Union without a preference, so the standard tariff applies.
Not a market ban. The Commission says Gabon has been outside its preferential regimes since 2014 as an upper-middle income country.
Source: European Commission, trade relations with Central Africa (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Central Africa–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
Sellers cannot use this agreement from Gabon, because only Cameroon has signed and applies it.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. The WTO review says the other Central African states are still studying accession.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, CEMAC common report, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme
Gabon is not listed in any preference tier of the scheme, so sellers cannot claim its rates.
The scheme leaves out countries the World Bank classes as upper-middle income for three consecutive years.
Source: United Kingdom government, DCTS preference tiers guidance (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Gabon
- Register in the commercial register and with the tax directorate through the ANPI-Gabon Digital Investment Window, which issues the Single Registration Form.Agence Nationale de Promotion des InvestissementsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
- Pay the business license fee and keep the receipt, which traders must show.Direction Générale des ImpôtsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
- Check export bans and special authorizations: rough wood is banned and scrap metal needs authorization from the trade directorate.Ministère du Commerce, des PME-PMI et de l'Entrepreneuriat des JeunesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
- For mining products, hold an operating permit or concession, or obtain an export authorization from the mining minister.Ministère des Mines et des Ressources GéologiquesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
Show 5 more export steps
- Check Gabonese standards and technical rules for your product with the national standards body.Agence Gabonaise de NormalisationOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: AGANOR, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Obtain the health or plant health certificate that food, animal and plant products need before shipping.Agence Gabonaise de Sécurité AlimentaireOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
- File a detailed export declaration with customs; an approved customs agent can file it for you.Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits IndirectsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
- Domicile exports of FCFA 5 million or more with a CEMAC bank, sign the firm exchange commitment and repatriate proceeds within 150 days.Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale150 days to repatriateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: CEMAC Regulation 02/18 on exchange rules, December 2018 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of December 21, 2018
- Claim the zero VAT rate on exports from the tax directorate when you file.Direction Générale des ImpôtsVAT refund within three monthsOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with Ministère du Commerce and DGDDI. 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
- Get advice
Trade ministry
Ministère du Commerce
Ministère du Commerce, des PME-PMI et de l'Entrepreneuriat des Jeunes
Runs a trade directorate that advises operators and promotes exports with other administrations.
- Research markets
National statistics office
INSTAT Gabon
Institut National de la Statistique
Publishes prices, population and a quarterly foreign trade bulletin that a company uses to size a market.
Visit INSTAT Gabon (opens in a new tab)Source: INSTAT Gabon, external trade statistics page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Research markets
Continental trade agreement secretariat
AfCFTA Secretariat
African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat
Multilateral body
Publishes each member state's progress toward trading under AfCFTA tariff preferences.
Visit AfCFTA Secretariat (opens in a new tab)Source: AfCFTA Secretariat, Status of Tariff Offers, July 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Research markets
Central African economic community
ECCAS
Communauté économique des États de l'Afrique centrale
Regional body
Publishes Central African community news, publications and statistics on regional integration.
Visit ECCAS (opens in a new tab)Source: ECCAS, home page, October 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
DGDDI
Direction Générale des Douanes et Droits Indirects
Clears goods, charges export duties on some local goods and publishes customs procedures.
Visit DGDDI (opens in a new tab)Source: Gabon customs, missions page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
DGI
Direction Générale des Impôts
Registers businesses for tax and explains company tax duties from creation to closure.
Visit DGI (opens in a new tab)Source: Gabon tax directorate, registration, change and closure page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Show 3 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BEAC
Banque des États de l'Afrique Centrale
Regional body
Issues the CFA franc, sets the exchange regulation for exports and publishes regional statistics.
Visit BEAC (opens in a new tab)Source: BEAC, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Regional economic and monetary community
CEMAC
Communauté Économique et Monétaire de l'Afrique Centrale
Regional body
Publishes the community treaties, regulations and directives that apply to trade and currency in Gabon.
Visit CEMAC (opens in a new tab)Source: CEMAC Commission, regulations and directives page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
- Meet requirements
National port authority
OPRAG
Office des Ports et Rades du Gabon
Manages the ports of Owendo, Libreville and Port-Gentil and publishes port statistics.
Visit OPRAG (opens in a new tab)Source: OPRAG, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
National standards body
AGANOR
Agence Gabonaise de Normalisation
Develops Gabonese standards, assesses product conformity and provides metrology services.
Visit AGANOR (opens in a new tab)Source: AGANOR, home page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Mines ministry
Ministère des Mines
Ministère des Mines et des Ressources Géologiques
Manages mining permits, export authorizations for non-holders, and certificates of origin for precious substances.
Visit Ministère des Mines (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of August 16, 2023
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Timber industry association
UFIGA
Union des Forestiers et Industriels du Bois du Gabon
Represents forestry and wood processing companies with public authorities.
Visit UFIGA (opens in a new tab)Source: UFIGA, objectives and missions page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Raw manganese export ban
A ban on exporting raw manganese takes effect January 1, 2029; the President announced it in May 2025 and the Council of Ministers recalled it in January 2026.
What to do: Build any manganese project around local processing, and confirm the final decree with the mining ministry.
Sources: Gabon Presidency, Council of Ministers, May 30, 2025 (in French) (opens in a new tab); Gabon Presidency, Council of Ministers, January 29, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Wood export rules
As of 2023, per the WTO review, rough wood exports are banned and export duties fall as wood is processed further.
What to do: Export processed wood, and confirm the current duty schedule with customs before you price.
Source: WTO Trade Policy Review, Gabon annex, August 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Currency and settlement
Exports worth FCFA 5 million or more must be domiciled with a CEMAC bank, and proceeds repatriated within 150 days.
What to do: Open the export through your bank and schedule cash collection inside the 150-day deadline.
Source: CEMAC Regulation 02/18 on exchange rules, December 2018 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 30, 2026
Tax incentives under review
The 2027 finance bill adopted by the Council of Ministers on September 18, 2026 would restrict tax and customs advantages with minimum taxation and limits on stacking them.
What to do: Confirm the final finance law before you rely on any tax or customs incentive in your project.
Source: Gabon Presidency, Council of Ministers, September 18, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 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 Gabon project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Gabon 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.