🌾 Benin’s Top Exports in 2024: Cotton, Cashew & Oilseeds

Introduction: A Country Growing Through Trade

If you’ve been keeping an eye on West African trade, you’ve probably noticed that Benin is quietly becoming a serious player.
While it’s a relatively small country, Benin’s exports have been making waves — especially in cotton, cashew nuts, and oilseeds.

At Thirumal Impex, based right here in Benin, we’ve seen how these sectors are shaping not just local livelihoods but also global supply chains. Let’s dive into what’s driving this export growth in 2024.

1. Cotton: Benin’s White Gold

Cotton is the backbone of Benin’s export economy, often called the country’s “white gold.”
Benin consistently ranks among Africa’s top cotton producers, exporting hundreds of thousands of tonnes each year to markets in Asia and Europe.

Why cotton matters:

• The sector supports millions of farmers and rural families.

• Improved farming techniques and better seeds have boosted yields.

• Government policies encourage quality control and fair pricing.

In 2024, Benin’s cotton exports continue to perform strongly, with growing demand from India, Bangladesh, and Vietnam — all major textile manufacturing hubs.

2. Cashew Nuts: The Rising Star

Next on the list is cashew nuts — one of Benin’s fastest-growing export products.
The country produces both raw cashew nuts (RCN) and processed kernels, with thousands of smallholder farmers contributing to the supply chain.

Why the world loves Benin’s cashews:

• Naturally grown with minimal chemical inputs.

• High-quality nuts with good kernel yield.

• Increasing investment in local processing facilities, adding value before export.

Most of Benin’s cashews head to India and Vietnam for processing, but a growing number of buyers from Europe and the Middle East are now sourcing directly from Benin.

At Thirumal Impex, we work closely with local cashew processors and farmer cooperatives to ensure consistent supply, quality, and timely export.

3. Oilseeds: An Emerging Opportunity

While cotton and cashew dominate the headlines, oilseeds such as soybean, sesame, and groundnut (peanut) are the emerging stars of Benin’s export scene.

What’s driving the boom:

• Global demand for plant-based oils and proteins.

• Strong market pull from China, India, and Turkey.

• Growing investment in oilseed crushing and processing units in Benin.

For traders and investors, oilseeds present a fresh opportunity — lower competition than cashew, but with strong growth potential.

4. Other Notable Exports

While cotton, cashew, and oilseeds lead the way, Benin also exports:

• Shea butter, popular in cosmetics and natural skincare.

• Seafood from its Atlantic coastline.

• Tropical fruits and agro-based products for regional markets.

This diversification is helping the economy grow more resilient and sustainable.

5. Challenges and the Road Ahead

Like any developing trade economy, Benin faces challenges — from infrastructure gaps to post-harvest losses.
But the progress is undeniable. With ongoing improvements at the Port of Cotonou, better logistics networks, and stronger government support, Benin’s export sectors are moving in the right direction.

6. How Thirumal Impex Adds Value

At Thirumal Impex, we don’t just export commodities — we build connections.
We ensure that every shipment, whether cotton, cashew, or oilseed, meets international standards and reaches buyers on time, every time.

Our team works with local producers, cooperatives, and logistics partners to maintain quality, traceability, and transparency — values that our global clients trust us for.

Conclusion: Benin’s Bright Trade Future

Benin’s story is one of quiet but steady transformation.
With cotton continuing to lead, cashew nuts gaining global attention, and oilseeds rising fast, the country’s export potential in 2024 looks brighter than ever.

For global buyers seeking reliable sourcing from West Africa, Benin offers both quality and opportunity — and Thirumal Impex is proud to be your trusted partner in making that connection.