Promote:
Export from Mali
A short guide for companies selling from Mali: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Mali sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$3.61 billion
Merchandise exports were US$3.61 billion in 2024 in Mali's own UN Comtrade report.
Source: UN Comtrade, Mali exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Services exportsEstimate
US$553.6 million
Services exports were an estimated US$553.6 million in 2025, a figure the WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data flags as estimated.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services by category (WTO-UNCTAD-ITC data) (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2024
- 1. Gold (HS 7108)US$2.64 billion
- 2. Cotton fiber (HS 5203)US$325.7 million
- 3. Live cattle (HS 0102)US$109.9 million
- 4. Refined petroleum products (HS 2710)US$103.3 million
- 5. Live sheep and goats (HS 0104)US$75.6 million
- 6. Iron ore (HS 2601)US$28.6 million
- 7. Mixed fertilizers (HS 3105)US$18.9 million
- 8. Oilseeds (HS 1207)US$15.4 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Natural gums and resins (HS 1301)US$14.6 million
- 10. Heavy machinery parts (HS 8431)US$13.2 million
- 11. Pig iron (HS 7201)US$12.4 million
- 12. Vegetable fats and oils (HS 1515)US$9.72 million
- 13. Nitrogen fertilizers (HS 3102)US$8.98 million
- 14. Bulldozers and graders (HS 8429)US$8.95 million
- 15. Prepared fruit and nuts (HS 2008)US$8.89 million
- 16. Cashews and other nuts (HS 0801)US$8.44 million
- 17. Ethyl alcohol (HS 2207)US$7.72 million
- 18. New rubber tires (HS 4011)US$6.97 million
- 19. Medicines (HS 3004)US$6.97 million
- 20. Mangoes and other tropical fruit (HS 0804)US$6.42 million
- Gold is 73.1 percent of 2024 exports and fills the first rank, so shares of the other lines are small. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Mali reports no re-exports to UN Comtrade, so its flow X, which includes re-exports, cannot be split into domestic exports and re-exports. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Mali exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
Where the goods go
2024, share of goods exports
- South Africa56.2%
- Australia11.6%
- Côte d'Ivoire4.9%
- Bangladesh4.4%
- India4.3%
- Senegal3.6%
- Switzerland3.3%
- United Arab Emirates2.4%
- Gold dominates the 2024 total, so destination shares follow gold sales; the statistics office's first-quarter 2026 bulletin lists gold going to South Africa, Australia and the United Arab Emirates. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, Mali exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2024
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (gold, refined petroleum products and iron ore) make up about 77% of Mali’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, Mali exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, Mali exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks cotton fiber, live cattle and live sheep and goats as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Mali’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, Mali exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
Vegetable fats and oils grew 106% from 2023 to 2024; live cattle grew 79% from 2023 to 2024. 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, Mali exports by product, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports, against the year before
South Africa takes 56.2% of Mali’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, Mali exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 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.
West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU)
Shares the CFA franc and its central bank, the BCEAO, with the other members of the West African union.
Union preferences apply only to goods that meet the union's origin rules; confirm them with customs before you claim.
Source: BCEAO, West African union economic note, September 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme (ETLS)
Mali left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, and the Commission asked authorities to keep treating Malian goods under the scheme until future terms are set.
The Commission asked for this treatment until future terms are set; confirm the current treatment with each importing customs office.
Source: ECOWAS Commission, withdrawal statement, January 29, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of January 29, 2025
AGOA
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, did not designate Mali as a beneficiary for 2026.
As of October 31, 2026, the June 30, 2026 notice lists Mali among the countries not designated; the extension of the program to December 31, 2028 does not change that.
Source: Federal Register, AGOA eligibility review notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Everything But Arms (EBA)
Mali is on the list of least developed countries the European Union covers with duty-free, quota-free access for goods other than arms.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; origin rules apply, and the European Union applies new GSP rules from January 1, 2027.
Source: European Commission, Everything But Arms page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more agreement
Developing Countries Trading Scheme (United Kingdom)
Mali is listed among the least developed countries, which receive the Comprehensive Preferences tier of the scheme from the United Kingdom.
As of October 31, 2026, rules-based preference, not unconditional market access; origin and claim rules apply.
Source: United Kingdom, Developing Countries Trading Scheme tiers (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Mali
- Get a tax identification number free at a tax center or the API-Mali one-stop shop; legal persons also need notary statutes and a commercial court register copy.Direction Générale des Impôts du MaliFree; card ready 48 hours after the requestOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: DGI Mali, tax identification number steps (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Check technical requirements and national standards with AMANORM, the national standards agency that serves as the technical barriers to trade enquiry point.Agence Malienne de Normalisation et de Promotion de la Qualité (AMANORM)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ePing, technical barriers to trade enquiry points (Mali institution) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For animal products, ask the National Directorate of Veterinary Services, the sanitary and phytosanitary enquiry point, about health certificates.Direction Nationale des Services VétérinairesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: ePing, sanitary and phytosanitary enquiry points (Mali institution) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Domicile any export above 20 million CFA francs with an approved bank, then bring the proceeds home within one month of the payment due date.Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest (BCEAO)Threshold 20 million CFA francs; one month after the due dateOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: BCEAO Instruction 03/07/2025/RFE on export domiciliation (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of July 7, 2025
Show 2 more export steps
- Present the four copies of the export attestation your bank has stamped to the customs office together with the goods you export.Direction Générale des DouanesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: BCEAO Instruction 03/07/2025/RFE on export domiciliation (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of July 7, 2025
- If at least 80 percent of your production is exported, ask API-Mali about approval under Regime D of the Investment Code.Agence pour la Promotion des Investissements au Mali (API-Mali)Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Mali Investment Code, Law 2012-016 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of February 27, 2012
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with APEX Mali and DGD. 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
National trade promotion agency
APEX Mali
Agence pour la Promotion des Exportations du Mali
Promotes Malian exports on behalf of the industry and trade ministry, including through export forums with partner countries.
Visit APEX Mali (opens in a new tab)Source: CCIM, Mali–India export forum note, June 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2026
- Research markets
National statistics office
INSTAT
Institut National de la Statistique
Publishes quarterly merchandise trade bulletins, consumer price indexes and national accounts.
Visit INSTAT (opens in a new tab)Source: INSTAT, official site (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Research markets
Multilateral trade body
WTO
World Trade Organization
Multilateral body
Publishes Mali's member profile and trade statistics; Mali has been a member since May 31, 1995.
Visit WTO (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Mali member information (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Customs authority
DGD
Direction Générale des Douanes
Handles customs matters as the customs directorate of the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
Visit DGD (opens in a new tab)Source: Finance ministry of Mali, services list (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Tax authority
DGI
Direction Générale des Impôts du Mali
Issues the tax identification number free of charge, with the card ready 48 hours after the request.
Visit DGI (opens in a new tab)Source: DGI Mali, tax identification number steps (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
Finance ministry
MEF
Ministère de l'Économie et des Finances
Publishes finance laws and price lists, and houses the tax, customs and treasury directorates.
Visit MEF (opens in a new tab)Source: Finance ministry of Mali, services list (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
Regional central bank
BCEAO
Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest
Regional body
Sets the export domiciliation and repatriation rules that apply to Malian exporters.
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
Telecom and postal regulator
AMRTP
Autorité Malienne de Régulation des Télécommunications/TIC et des Postes
Regulates the telecommunications, ICT and postal sector in which operators and equipment sellers work.
Visit AMRTP (opens in a new tab)Source: AMRTP, creation and status page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
CCIM
Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie du Mali
Runs commercial promotion, business creation support, training and arbitration for Malian companies.
Visit CCIM (opens in a new tab)Source: CCIM, presentation page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get advice
Employers' federation
CNPM
Conseil National du Patronat du Mali
Represents businesses of every size through its member groupings and studies matters of common business interest.
Visit CNPM (opens in a new tab)Source: CNPM, presentation page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
Arbitration and conciliation center
CECAM
Centre de conciliation et d'arbitrage du Mali
Offers national and international conciliation and arbitration for commercial disputes, within the Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Visit CECAM (opens in a new tab)Source: CCIM, presentation page (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Business training institute
INCEF
Institut consulaire d'études et de formation
Offers degree courses, trade training and capacity-building courses, as the training arm of the Chamber of Commerce.
Visit INCEF (opens in a new tab)Source: INCEF, training institute of the CCIM (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
6. Worth knowing
Gold concentration
Gold was 73.1 percent of 2024 exports in UN Comtrade, and the Council adopted texts for a precious substances office in March 2026.
What to do: Compare your product with the other lines in the list, and read the destination caveat before you quote shares.
Sources: UN Comtrade, Mali exports by destination, 2024 (opens in a new tab); Council of Ministers communiqué, March 18, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Currency and settlement
BCEAO Instruction 03/07/2025/RFE requires domiciliation of exports above 20 million CFA francs and repatriation within one month of the payment due date.
What to do: Agree a payment due date within 120 days of shipment in your contract, and confirm the steps with your bank before you ship.
Source: BCEAO Instruction 03/07/2025/RFE on export domiciliation (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of August 1, 2025
United States preference access
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, did not designate Mali for 2026, according to the June 30, 2026 notice.
What to do: Do not price United States sales on AGOA duty-free access; check the next annual review notice.
Sources: Federal Register, AGOA eligibility review notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab); Public Law 119-103, September 2, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Logistics and border performance
The British government advises against all travel to Mali and reports blockades on key routes, and the Council created a state transport company in September 2026.
What to do: Confirm routes, insurance and delivery terms with your carrier before each shipment.
Sources: FCDO, Mali travel advice, July 2026 (opens in a new tab); Council of Ministers communiqué, September 25, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of July 10, 2026
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Regional trade rules in transition
Mali left ECOWAS on January 29, 2025, and talks between the Alliance of Sahel States and ECOWAS opened on October 23, 2026.
What to do: Confirm with the importing customs office how it treats Malian goods before you claim a regional preference.
Sources: ECOWAS Commission, withdrawal statement, January 29, 2025 (opens in a new tab); Council of Ministers communiqué, October 23, 2026 (in French) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 23, 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 Mali project.
Use Promote:Global to explore markets, understand requirements and organize your next steps.
Promote:Mali 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.