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Export from Sierra Leone
A short guide for companies selling from Sierra Leone: the export figures, the agreements and their limits, the main steps and who can help, each with its source.
1. What Sierra Leone sells, and who buys it
Goods exports
US$1.85 billion
Merchandise exports were US$1.85 billion in 2025, summed from the imports 108 partner countries reported from Sierra Leone. Check the mirror basis before you compare it with national figures.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Services exportsEstimate
US$54.9 million
Services exports were US$54.86 million in 2025, a figure the UNCTADstat data flag as estimated.
Source: UNCTADstat, trade in services, Sierra Leone, 2024 and 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Top goods exports
2025
- 1. Iron ore (HS 2601)US$1.03 billion
- 2. Cocoa beans (HS 1801)US$205.1 million
- 3. Titanium ore (HS 2614)US$188.5 million
- 4. Bauxite (HS 2606)US$178 million
- 5. Niobium, tantalum and zirconium ore (HS 2615)US$47.4 million
- 6. Diamonds (HS 7102)US$28.2 million
- 7. Palm oil (HS 1511)US$11.5 million
- 8. Transformers and power converters (HS 8504)US$8.32 million
Show 12 more products
- 9. Copper scrap (HS 7404)US$6.83 million
- 10. Fruit juices (HS 2009)US$6.06 million
- 11. Coffee (HS 0901)US$5.96 million
- 12. Coconut and palm kernel oil (HS 1513)US$5.64 million
- 13. Glass bottles and jars (HS 7010)US$4.84 million
- 14. Refined copper (HS 7403)US$4.56 million
- 15. Aluminum scrap (HS 7602)US$4.55 million
- 16. Industrial fatty acids (HS 3823)US$3.96 million
- 17. Medicines (HS 3004)US$3.12 million
- 18. Unwrought aluminum (HS 7601)US$3 million
- 19. Plywood (HS 4412)US$2.99 million
- 20. Telephones (HS 8517)US$2.61 million
- Reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), not at export. Source (opens in a new tab)
- No change on 2024 is shown: 129 countries reported 2024 imports from Sierra Leone against 108 for 2025, a gap of more than a tenth. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Iron ore, cocoa beans and titanium ore make up 77.0 percent of the 2025 total, so product shares follow a few commodity sales. Source (opens in a new tab)
- Frozen fish (HS 0303, US$9.5 million) is left out of the ranking, and commodities not specified by kind (HS 9999) are not ranked; both stay in the total. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
Where the goods go
2025, share of goods exports
- China72.6%
- Netherlands9.7%
- United States2.8%
- India2.6%
- Belgium2.3%
- France1.9%
- Germany1.1%
- United Kingdom0.7%
- Reported by the buying countries as imports, valued by each importing country (CIF or FOB, as each reports it), not at export. Source (opens in a new tab)
- China reported 72.6 percent of the total, and 108 countries reported for 2025 against 129 for 2024 and 139 for 2023, so no change on 2024 is shown. Source (opens in a new tab)
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of 2025
- Only 7 lines are meaningful (at least 0.5 percent of the total and US$50,000): iron ore, cocoa beans, titanium ore, bauxite, niobium and related ores, diamonds and palm oil. Source (opens in a new tab)
2. What to look into next
Our reading
Extractive lines (iron ore, titanium ore and bauxite) make up about 80% of Sierra Leone’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, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab); UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by destination, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports and goods exports
The research marks cocoa beans, palm oil and fruit juices as lines a small or mid-sized company could be in. If yours is one, check which markets buy that line, not only Sierra Leone’s top destinations overall.
Source: UN Comtrade, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by product, 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Based on: Top goods exports
China takes 72.6% of Sierra Leone’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, partners' imports from Sierra Leone by destination, 2025 (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.
ECOWAS
Sierra Leone has been a member of the Economic Community of West African States since its founding in 1975.
Membership alone is not market access; origin rules and each member's border practice apply.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
ECOWAS Trade Liberalisation Scheme
Products that originate in an ECOWAS state can enter other member states free of customs duties and taxes of equivalent effect.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Products must be approved before an origin certificate is issued.
Source: ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme, about page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
African Continental Free Trade Area
Sierra Leone ratified on April 30, 2019, and as of 2025, per the WTO review, it is set to join the Guided Trade Initiative.
Preferential trading runs only between state parties with approved tariff offers. Confirm the importing country's schedule and origin rules.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
AGOA
As of June 30, 2026, Sierra Leone is one of 33 beneficiaries on the United States Trade Representative's list, and the program runs to December 31, 2028.
Rules-based preference with its own origin rules, not unconditional market access. Check the United States duty on your shipment date.
Source: Federal Register, AGOA eligibility review notice, June 30, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 30, 2026
Show 5 more agreements
European Union Everything But Arms
As of October 31, 2026, Regulation (EU) 2026/1395 lists Sierra Leone under Everything But Arms, which gives duty-free, quota-free access except for arms and ammunition.
Rules-based preference. Origin and sanitary rules apply, and the new regulation replaces the old one from January 1, 2027, so check it before you quote.
Source: European Union Official Journal, tariff preferences regulation, June 22, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 22, 2026
United Kingdom Developing Countries Trading Scheme
As of October 31, 2026, The United Kingdom lists Sierra Leone in the Comprehensive Preferences tier: 0 percent tariffs on 99.8 percent of products, all except arms and ammunition.
Rules-based preference, not unconditional market access. Check the product's origin rule before you claim.
Source: United Kingdom government, Developing Countries Trading Scheme tiers, 2023 (opens in a new tab) · as of June 19, 2023
ECOWAS-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement
As of 2025, per the WTO review, the agreement has not taken effect, pending signature by all members and ratification by two thirds.
Not yet in effect for sellers. Sierra Leone uses Everything But Arms in the meantime.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
Mano River Union
As of 2025, per the WTO review, the union links Sierra Leone with Guinea, Liberia and Côte d'Ivoire, but putting its trade goals into practice remains a challenge.
The review calls implementation a challenge, so do not count on union-specific terms.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
GSP and LDC schemes of other countries
As of 2025, per the WTO review, 15 economies' preference schemes and nine least-developed-country schemes, including China, India and the Republic of Korea, cover Sierra Leone.
Each scheme has its own product list and origin rules. Check the importing country's customs notice.
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
4. Steps to export
The main steps, in order, each with the body responsible and its official page.
Exporting from Sierra Leone
- Register your business, as a sole proprietor or company, through the National Investment Board's online portal or its one-stop center.National Investment Board3 to 5 working days, per the Board's FAQOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: National Investment Board, frequently asked questions (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get a tax clearance certificate from the National Revenue Authority, which exporters file with the customs declaration.National Revenue AuthorityProcessed within 72 hours of applicationOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: National Revenue Authority, tax clearance certificate page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For coffee, cocoa, palm kernel products, ginger or piassava, apply to the Ministry of Trade and Industry for an export permit after a Produce Monitoring Board inspection.Ministry of Trade and Industry; Produce Monitoring Board2.5 percent levy on free-on-board valueOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: National Investment Board, export procedures page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For diamonds or gold, get an exporter license from the Ministry of Mineral Resources through the National Minerals Agency's Directorate of Precious Minerals Trading.National Minerals Agency; Ministry of Mineral ResourcesThe Minister decides within 14 calendar days of receiptOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: SierraLII, Mines and Minerals Development Act, 2022 (opens in a new tab) · as of May 12, 2023
Show 5 more export steps
- Get a certificate of origin from the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture for preferential exports to the United States, ECOWAS states or the European Union.Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and AgricultureOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
- Meet quality rules through the Produce Monitoring Board and the Sierra Leone Standards Bureau; fish for the European Union needs the Ministry of Health's competent authority.Produce Monitoring Board; Sierra Leone Standards Bureau; Competent AuthorityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: National Investment Board, standards page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- For plant products, get a phytosanitary certificate from the agriculture ministry's Phytosanitary Control Unit; as of 2025, per the WTO review, it issues them in the IPPC format.Phytosanitary Control Unit, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food SecurityOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
- Lodge the customs declaration through ASYCUDA World with the registration certificate, tax clearance certificate and, for produce, the Produce Monitoring Board letter; the National Revenue Authority clears the goods.National Revenue Authority1 percent inspection fee on free-on-board value, as of 2025Official page (opens in a new tab)
Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
- Complete an Export Form endorsed by a commercial bank and bring the proceeds back within 90 days of export; ask the Bank of Sierra Leone first if you need longer.Bank of Sierra Leone90 days from the date of export, per the central bank's guidelinesOfficial page (opens in a new tab)
Source: Bank of Sierra Leone, foreign exchange guidelines, 2002 (opens in a new tab) · as of November 7, 2002
5. Organizations that help exporters
Start with NRA and Stats SL. 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
- Research markets
National statistics office
Stats SL
Statistics Sierra Leone
Publishes consumer price index releases, national accounts and survey reports; its latest foreign trade bulletin is for 2013.
Visit Stats SL (opens in a new tab)Source: Statistics Sierra Leone, publications list (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Get advice
Trade and industry ministry
MTI
Ministry of Trade and Industry
Issues export licenses for controlled produce, runs export promotion and standards directorates, and oversees the standards bureau, the produce board and the small business agency.
Visit MTI (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry, home page with export FAQ (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 2 more organizations
- Meet requirements
Central bank
BSL
Bank of Sierra Leone
Publishes exchange rates, trade statistics under SITC, balance of payments and monetary policy reports for Sierra Leone.
Visit BSL (opens in a new tab)Source: Bank of Sierra Leone, statistics page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Research markets
Regional economic community
ECOWAS
Economic Community of West African States
Regional body
Runs the trade liberalization scheme that lets approved products move free of duty among member states, and explains how to get an ECOWAS certificate of origin.
Visit ECOWAS (opens in a new tab)Source: ECOWAS trade liberalization scheme, certificate of origin guide (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Customs and tax
- Meet requirements
Tax and customs authority
NRA
National Revenue Authority
Collects taxes and runs customs, including ASYCUDA World declarations, tax clearance certificates and the list of tax laws.
Visit NRA (opens in a new tab)Source: National Revenue Authority, home page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Standards and sector requirements
- Meet requirements
Produce quality regulator
PMB
Produce Monitoring Board
Inspects exporters' premises and checks produce quality before shipment, which the ministry requires before it issues a produce export permit.
Visit PMB (opens in a new tab)Source: National Investment Board, export procedures page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
- Meet requirements
National standards body
SLSB
Sierra Leone Standards Bureau
Develops and publishes national standards and runs testing, inspection and certification for goods sold at home or exported.
Visit SLSB (opens in a new tab)Source: Ministry of Trade and Industry, affiliated agencies page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more organization
- Meet requirements
Minerals sector regulator
NMA
National Minerals Agency
Runs the Directorate of Precious Minerals Trading, which handles Kimberley Process compliance and exports of diamonds and gold.
Visit NMA (opens in a new tab)Source: National Minerals Agency, Precious Minerals Trading directorate page (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Chambers and industry associations
- Get advice
Chamber of commerce
SLCCIA
Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
Certifies origin for preferential exports to the United States, ECOWAS states and the European Union, per the WTO's 2025 review.
Visit SLCCIA (opens in a new tab)Source: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of March 11, 2025
6. Worth knowing
Currency and settlement
Inflation rose from 4.35 percent in December 2025 to 15.66 percent in August 2026, and the central bank cites fuel prices and the 2026 Finance Act.
What to do: Quote export prices in a stable currency and agree a review date for price changes in each contract.
Sources: Statistics Sierra Leone, consumer price index, August 2026 (opens in a new tab); Bank of Sierra Leone, Monetary Policy Report, June 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Export levies and inspection fees
As of 2025, per the WTO review, exporters pay a 1 percent inspection fee, and six produce lines also pay a 2.5 percent levy.
What to do: Confirm current fees with the National Revenue Authority and the Ministry of Trade and Industry before you price.
Sources: WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab); Finance Act, 2026 (in force January 1, 2026) (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Produce export permits
Coffee, cocoa, palm kernel oil, palm kernel cake, ginger and piassava need a ministry permit, issued after the Produce Monitoring Board inspects the exporter's store.
What to do: Ask the Produce Monitoring Board to inspect your premises before you apply for the permit.
Sources: National Investment Board, export procedures page (opens in a new tab); WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
United States tariff actions
AGOA, the United States' trade preference program for eligible African countries, runs to December 31, 2028; the July 28, 2026 Section 301 notice does not name Sierra Leone.
What to do: Confirm the current United States duty on your product and shipment date before you price.
Sources: Public Law 119-103, AGOA extension to December 2028 (opens in a new tab); Federal Register, Section 301 actions notice, July 28, 2026 (opens in a new tab) · as of October 31, 2026
Show 1 more
Customs single window
The Finance Act 2026 provides for one Customs Single Window System for import, export and transit documents, while the WTO says a window began in 2020.
What to do: Ask customs which declarations go through the single window before you book a shipment.
Sources: Finance Act, 2026 (in force January 1, 2026) (opens in a new tab); WTO, Trade Policy Review of Sierra Leone, March 2025 (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 Sierra Leone project.
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Promote:Sierra Leone 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.