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Benin

US Revised Tariffs (%)

10

Ease of doing business

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Revised Tariff %
Original Tariff %
Country Tariff Rate %
Share of US Imports % (1 implies <1%)
10
10
10.2
1
Exports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Imports (in USD Bill.) 2024
Balance (in USD Bill.) 2024
0.22
0.05
0.17

Implications

As of early 2026, the trade relationship between the US and Benin is shaped by a mix of historical preference programs (AGOA) and the broader, more aggressive US tariff regime implemented throughout 2025. While Benin remains a minor trading partner for the US, it is increasingly affected by the "blanket" tariff policies and the ongoing legal battles over executive tariff authority.


The following table summarizes the status of US tariffs on Benin as of January 20, 2026.


US-Benin Trade & Tariff Impact Update (2026)

Category

Status / Impact Detail

Key Data & Observations

Trade Deals

AGOA (Eligible)

Benin remains eligible for the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2026. This provides duty-free access for ~1,800 products. However, some 2025 "global" tariffs stack on top of these preferences.

Tariff Rates

18% - 22% Effective Rate

While AGOA covers specific goods, Benin’s exports now face a higher "effective" tariff rate due to the 2025 IEEPA-based across-the-board tariffs (currently under Supreme Court review).

Trade Impact

Declining Exports

Benin’s exports to the US fell by ~48% in late 2025 (to approx. $2.28M/month). Top exports like soybean meal and cashews have seen sharp volume decreases.

GDP Impact

Minor but Volatile

Benin’s GDP growth remains robust (~6.1% to 6.7%), but the US trade deficit is widening as imports (cars/poultry) from the US remain high while exports struggle.

Company Impact

Agricultural & Textiles

Companies in the Glo-Djigbé Special Economic Zone (GDIZ) and garment manufacturers face thinner margins due to "stacking" tariffs on apparel.

Key Analysis & Strategic Context


1. The "Stacking" Tariff Phenomenon


Even though Benin is part of AGOA, the US administration's use of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) in 2025 introduced "blanket" tariffs that often override or add to existing trade preferences. For Beninese exporters, this means that a product which used to enter the US at 0% duty may now face a 10%–20% surcharge, making Beninese cashews and textiles less competitive against domestic US products or other regional neighbors.


2. Sector-Specific Impacts


  • Agriculture: This is Benin's most vulnerable sector. Exports of soybean meal saw a 91% decline in late 2025. Cashews and Coconuts remain a major export, but higher shipping costs combined with new tariff layers are squeezing local producers.

  • Automotive/Logistics: Benin is a major importer of used US cars ($17M+ monthly). High US tariffs on global steel and electronics have driven up the prices of these vehicles, impacting Beninese dealerships and the transport sector in Cotonou.


3. Macro-Economic Outlook


Despite trade friction with the US, Benin’s overall economy is resilient. The country is diversifying its trade toward China (its largest partner) and the EU. The January 2026 parliamentary elections and the upcoming April presidential election are the primary domestic focuses, with the government hoping to maintain "BB-" credit ratings despite global trade volatility.


4. Legal Uncertainty (The SCOTUS Factor)


As of today, January 20, 2026, markets and trade ministries are awaiting a US Supreme Court ruling on the legality of the 2025 tariffs. If the court strikes down the President's authority to use IEEPA for trade, Benin could see an immediate restoration of full AGOA benefits and potential refunds for duties paid in the last year.

US Revised Tariffs

Country Tariffs

Balance of Trade

Commercial Guide

Learn about the market conditions, opportunities, regulations, and business conditions in countries, prepared by U.S. Embassies worldwide, Commerce Department, State Department and other U.S. agencies’ professionals

Tariff Rate for US

World Bank staff estimates using the World Integrated Trade Solution system, based on tariff data from the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Trade Analysis and Information System ( TRAINS ) database and global imports data from the United Nations Statistics Division's Comtrade database.

US Imports Guide 

United States Imports from Countries during 2024, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade. United States Imports from Countries- data, historical chart and statistics - was last updated on April of 2025.

Investing in USA

theboardiQ Economic Relevance Score, ranks States of USA based on 11 parameters

Sources : ForbesUSDA Economic Research | TCGen Total Innovation Rank Index | Best States for Manufacturing | World Population Review | Tax Foundation | US News | BEA Data | Wikipedia International Trade Administration

theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score provides a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of a nation's economic vitality and global significance. This score is meticulously calculated using 11 key parameters, each reflecting a critical facet of economic performance. It analyzes the representation of Fortune 500 companies within a nation, a strong indicator of its business environment and market size. The balance of trade surplus or deficit reveals the nation's international competitiveness and export strength. It incorporates Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a fundamental measure of overall economic output, and examine the health of key sectors like agriculture and manufacturing. The score also accounts for innovation, gauging a nation's ability to drive future growth through technological advancements. Crucial labor market indicators such as employment rates are considered, alongside fiscal policies reflected in tax rates. To capture the lived experience of citizens, it assesses cost of living and disposable income, providing insight into purchasing power and economic well-being. Finally, education levels are integrated, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering a skilled workforce and driving long-term economic development. By synthesizing these 11 parameters, theboardiQ's Economic Relevance Score delivers a nuanced and holistic view of a nation's economic standing, enabling informed strategic decisions. The Top 5 States in the assessment are Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Florida and Washington. Texas does consistently well across most of the 11 variables especially in the areas of GDP, F500 representation in the State, Balance of Trade where it ranks 2nd nationally. North Carolina scores as the highest-ranking state nationally in manufacturing and performs consistently across the other variables. Virginia does well in disposable income where it ranks 3rd nationally. It also scores high in the variables of manufacturing and employment Florida holds the 4th ranking nationally for GDP and Tax Washington State scores the top spot for disposable income nationally, 2nd for education and 3rd for innovation. Colorado, with an overall rank of 7 scores the top spot for Education (schools and higher education). Nebraska, that ranked 10th overall, did well in Agriculture where it is ranked 3rd nationally as well as Trade Balance where it ranked 5th. Illinois, though ranked 20th overall did well nationally in F500 representation, GDP, Agriculture, and Disposable Income. Pennsylvania comes in at 21 overall doing well nationally in GDP (6th); Manufacturing (8th) and F500 representation (8th) New York scores 23rd overall with a 2 ranking in Disposable Income nationally, as well as 3rd in both F500 representation and GDP. California comes in at 29th overall and has the top spot ranking in a whopping 4 variables nationally – GDP, Innovation, Agriculture and F500 representation. However, performance in the areas of Trade Balance, Cost of Living, Tax, Manufacturing and Employment resulted in the overall ranking dipping. Wyoming at 30th overall scores the top spot nationally in the area of Tax Massachusetts at 31 overall does well in innovation where it is ranked 2nd nationally Arkansas at 36 and Alabama at 39, do well in overall Cost of Living where they are ranked 2nd and 3rd nationally, respectively. Louisiana ranked 44th overall is ranked 1st in Trade Balance nationally.

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