Importer opportunity guide
Explore Central African Republic's import market by product, supplier concentration, demand growth, and sourcing gaps. Use reported market size and calculated indicators to decide where deeper supplier research may be useful.
Central African Republic import opportunities
Compare market size and growth with supplier concentration. A large market may still need product, quality, tariff, logistics, and buyer validation.
Largest market shown
$37.8M of latest reported imports and $67.3M of calculated three-year opportunity.
Current import base
Central African Republic recorded $579.4M in imports in 2024, with a three-year change of +7.5%.
How to use the guide
Start with the highest-value products, then review supplier concentration and market conditions before choosing a sourcing route.
Import market overview
This page separates reported import observations from calculated indicators so market size is not mistaken for a guaranteed sourcing opportunity.
Central African Republic imports products from suppliers across major trade regions. The current profile reports $579.4M of imports in 2024, while the opportunity view highlights product and supplier combinations where market demand and supply context may justify further research.
Use the opportunity table to compare product market size, demand growth, supplier counts, concentration, and projected imports. High concentration can indicate reliance on a small supplier base; it can also reflect specialized products that require careful validation.
Top import opportunities
The top 50 screened products are ranked by calculated three-year opportunity. Reported market values and calculated indicators are labeled separately.
| Rank | Product | Market size | Demand growth | Suppliers | Concentration | Top supplier | Projected imports |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HS 040120Dairy produce: milk and cream, not concentrated, not containing added sugar or other sweetening matter, of a fat content exceeding 1% but not exceeding 6% (by weight) | $37.8MLatest imports | +21.7% | 8 | 9760 | CMRDeclining | $68.1M |
| 2 | HS 271019Product description unavailable | $81.4MLatest imports | +9.6% | 29 | 3054 | CMRDeclining | $107.1M |
| 3 | HS 271012Product description unavailable | $48.8MLatest imports | +11.4% | 9 | 4846 | CMRDeclining | $67.4M |
| 4 | HS 230400Oil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil | $8.2MLatest imports | +54.7% | 2 | 9977 | USAGrowing | $16.0M |
| 5 | HS 310210Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solution | $8.8MLatest imports | +19.8% | 2 | 10000 | OMNDeclining | $15.1M |
| 6 | HS 271113Petroleum gases and other gaseous hydrocarbons: liquefied, butanes | $6.5MLatest imports | +15.1% | 3 | 9584 | USADeclining | $9.9M |
| 7 | HS 240220Cigarettes: containing tobacco | $7.1MLatest imports | +10.0% | 7 | 7568 | AREDeclining | $9.4M |
| 8 | HS 842952Mechanical shovels, excavators and shovel loaders: with a 360 degree revolving super structure | $5.1MLatest imports | +18.9% | 8 | 7018 | CHNDeclining | $8.6M |
| 9 | HS 300490Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.s. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale | $18.9MLatest imports | +4.0% | 33 | 1412 | INDGrowing | $21.2M |
| 10 | HS 220300Beer: made from malt | $4.8MLatest imports | +15.2% | 17 | 7508 | CMRDeclining | $7.3M |
| 11 | HS 252390Cement: hydraulic kinds n.e.c. in heading no. 2523 | $4.2MLatest imports | +22.7% | 5 | 6791 | CMRStable | $7.7M |
| 12 | HS 240319Tobacco: smoking, other than water pipe tobacco, whether or not containing tobacco substitutes in any proportion | $3.7MLatest imports | +41.9% | 2 | 6456 | MARAccelerating | $7.3M |
| 13 | HS 210410Soups and broths and preparations therefor | $4.3MLatest imports | +10.7% | 8 | 8692 | CMRDeclining | $5.9M |
| 14 | HS 850760Electric accumulators: lithium-ion, including separators, whether or not rectangular (including square) | $3.9MLatest imports | +15.5% | 9 | 7796 | CHNAccelerating | $6.1M |
| 15 | HS 871000Tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles: motorised, whether or not fitted with weapons, and parts of such vehicles | $6.9MLatest imports | +11.7% | 3 | 4561 | BGDDeclining | $9.6M |
| 16 | HS 870422Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 5 tonnes but not exceeding 20 tonnes), nes in item no 8704.1 | $7.3MLatest imports | +1.6% | 13 | 4068 | CHNDeclining | $7.6M |
| 17 | HS 870321Vehicles: spark-ignition internal combustion reciprocating piston engine, cylinder capacity not exceeding 1000cc | $3.0MLatest imports | +14.3% | 16 | 8928 | MLIDeclining | $4.5M |
| 18 | HS 100630Cereals: rice, semi-milled or wholly milled, whether or not polished or glazed | $5.1MLatest imports | +11.6% | 18 | 4310 | USAGrowing | $7.0M |
| 19 | HS 300220Vaccines: for human medicine | $9.0MLatest imports | +10.6% | 19 | 2199 | INDDeclining | $12.2M |
| 20 | HS 020714Meat and edible offal: of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, cuts and offal, frozen | $8.1MLatest imports | +35.5% | 22 | 1307 | NLDStable | $15.8M |
| 21 | HS 940690Buildings: prefabricated, not of wood | $6.1MLatest imports | +8.2% | 10 | 2973 | ITADeclining | $7.7M |
| 22 | HS 110710Malt: not roasted | $3.9MLatest imports | +5.4% | 6 | 7071 | FRADeclining | $4.6M |
| 23 | HS 160420Fish preparations: fish minced or in forms n.e.c. in heading no. 1604, prepared or preserved | $2.0MLatest imports | +33.4% | 16 | 9134 | MARSlowing | $4.0M |
| 24 | HS 110100Wheat or meslin flour | $4.1MLatest imports | -1.8% | 10 | 7890 | CMRStable | $3.9M |
| 25 | HS 870423Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), for transport of goods, (of a g.v.w. exceeding 20 tonnes), nes in item no 8704.1 | $3.9MLatest imports | +4.8% | 12 | 5632 | CHNDeclining | $4.5M |
| 26 | HS 300420Medicaments: containing antibiotics (other than penicillins, streptomycins or their derivatives), for therapeutic or prophylactic uses, packaged for retail sale | $5.4MLatest imports | +14.4% | 16 | 2762 | INDDeclining | $8.1M |
| 27 | HS 852580Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders | $4.0MLatest imports | +9.1% | 10 | 4647 | USADeclining | $5.3M |
| 28 | HS 851762Communication apparatus (excluding telephone sets or base stations): machines for the reception, conversion and transmission or regeneration of voice, images or other data, including switching and routing apparatus | $7.7MLatest imports | +5.0% | 33 | 2071 | USADeclining | $9.0M |
| 29 | HS 481820Paper articles: handkerchiefs, cleansing or facial tissues and towels | $1.9MLatest imports | +18.8% | 9 | 8837 | MLIDeclining | $3.2M |
| 30 | HS 020230Meat: of bovine animals, boneless cuts, frozen | $4.1MLatest imports | +20.3% | 11 | 2982 | POLSlowing | $7.1M |
| 31 | HS 854442Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, fitted with connectors | $2.1MLatest imports | +16.9% | 23 | 7576 | UGASlowing | $3.3M |
| 32 | HS 880230Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg but not exceeding 15,000kg | $1.5MLatest imports | +53.5% | 1 | 10000 | ZAFDeclining | $2.9M |
| 33 | HS 870899Vehicle parts and accessories: n.e.c. in heading no. 8708 | $6.6MLatest imports | +1.4% | 33 | 2171 | JPNDeclining | $6.9M |
| 34 | HS 020712Meat and edible offal: of fowls of the species Gallus domesticus, not cut in pieces, frozen | $3.2MLatest imports | +66.9% | 10 | 2275 | CMRAccelerating | $6.3M |
| 35 | HS 902219Apparatus based on the use of x-rays, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus: for other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses | $1.5MLatest imports | +23.0% | 3 | 9999 | CHNGrowing | $2.8M |
| 36 | HS 950300Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys: dolls' carriages: dolls: other toys: reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or not: puzzles of all kinds | $1.7MLatest imports | +12.0% | 8 | 9735 | CHNDeclining | $2.4M |
| 37 | HS 902830Meters: electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof | $1.8MLatest imports | +8.5% | 3 | 9796 | CHNAccelerating | $2.3M |
| 38 | HS 320890Paints and varnishes: based on polymers n.e.s. in heading no. 3208, dispersed or dissolved in a non-aqueous medium | $1.7MLatest imports | +12.0% | 5 | 9367 | ARESlowing | $2.3M |
| 39 | HS 250100Salt (including table salt and denatured salt): pure sodium chloride whether or not in aqueous solution: sea water | $1.7MLatest imports | +9.0% | 12 | 9551 | CMRDeclining | $2.2M |
| 40 | HS 842121Machinery: for filtering or purifying water | $1.6MLatest imports | +14.2% | 15 | 8196 | WXDDeclining | $2.4M |
| 41 | HS 870210Vehicles: public transport type (carries 10 or more passengers), compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel) | $2.2MLatest imports | +1.7% | 9 | 8708 | MLISlowing | $2.3M |
| 42 | HS 840510Generators: producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers | $1.1MLatest imports | +55.8% | 1 | 10000 | FRADeclining | $2.1M |
| 43 | HS 870332Vehicles: compression-ignition internal combustion piston engine (diesel or semi-diesel), cylinder capacity exceeding 1500cc but not exceeding 2500cc | $2.6MLatest imports | +5.1% | 19 | 4983 | THADeclining | $3.1M |
| 44 | HS 190190Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for uses n.e.s. in heading no. 1901 | $1.9MLatest imports | +25.6% | 10 | 3555 | POLDeclining | $3.7M |
| 45 | HS 210690Food preparations: n.e.s. in item no. 2106.10 | $6.4MLatest imports | +5.3% | 28 | 1746 | ESPDeclining | $7.5M |
| 46 | HS 020329Meat: of swine, n.e.s. in item no. 0203.2, frozen | $1.1MLatest imports | +22.9% | 2 | 9872 | CMRDeclining | $2.0M |
| 47 | HS 630900Clothing: worn, and other worn articles | $5.0MLatest imports | +5.3% | 23 | 1733 | BELDeclining | $5.8M |
| 48 | HS 853641Electrical apparatus: relays, (for a voltage not exceeding 60 volts) | $1.1MLatest imports | +20.6% | 5 | 9950 | FRASlowing | $1.9M |
| 49 | HS 071310Vegetables, leguminous: peas (pisum sativum), shelled, whether or not skinned or split, dried | $2.4MLatest imports | +26.3% | 5 | 3257 | USADeclining | $4.6M |
| 50 | HS 392690Plastics: other articles n.e.s. in chapter 39 | $2.3MLatest imports | +9.9% | 35 | 4030 | CMRDeclining | $3.0M |
Showing the five highest-ranked products on mobile. View the complete import opportunity data.
Product sectors
HS2 sectors group the screened products into broader families for an easier first comparison.
| Sector | Products | Market size | Opportunity | Average growth |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS2 sector 00HS2 00 | 2 | $130.2M | $91.0M | +10.5% |
| Dairy produce and eggsHS2 04 | 1 | $37.8M | $67.3M | +21.7% |
| VehiclesHS2 87 | 7 | $32.6M | $23.8M | +5.8% |
| Electrical equipmentHS2 85 | 5 | $18.9M | $16.5M | +13.4% |
| Food industry residuesHS2 23 | 1 | $8.2M | $15.9M | +54.7% |
| FertilizersHS2 31 | 1 | $8.8M | $15.1M | +19.8% |
| TobaccoHS2 24 | 2 | $10.8M | $13.7M | +26.0% |
| Pharmaceutical productsHS2 30 | 3 | $33.3M | $13.5M | +9.7% |
| MachineryHS2 84 | 3 | $7.8M | $11.4M | +29.6% |
| Meat and edible meat offalHS2 02 | 4 | $16.5M | $11.3M | +36.4% |
| Mineral fuelsHS2 27 | 1 | $6.5M | $9.7M | +15.1% |
| Salt, sulphur, earths and stoneHS2 25 | 2 | $5.9M | $8.4M | +15.8% |
Supply gaps
The concentration index helps identify products where reported imports rely more heavily on a smaller supplier base. It is a screening signal, not a recommendation by itself.
| Product | Market size | Suppliers | Concentration | Top supplier | Share gap |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HS 880230Aeroplanes and other aircraft: of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg but not exceeding 15,000kg | $1.5M | 1 | 10000 | ZAF | 99.8% |
| HS 840510Generators: producer gas, water gas, acetylene gas and similar water process gas generators, with or without their purifiers | $1.1M | 1 | 10000 | FRA | 100.0% |
| HS 310210Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: nitrogenous, urea, whether or not in aqueous solution | $8.8M | 2 | 10000 | OMN | 100.0% |
| HS 902219Apparatus based on the use of x-rays, including radiography or radiotherapy apparatus: for other than medical, surgical, dental or veterinary uses | $1.5M | 3 | 9999 | CHN | 85.0% |
| HS 230400Oil-cake and other solid residues: whether or not ground or in the form of pellets, resulting from the extraction of soya-bean oil | $8.2M | 2 | 9977 | USA | 99.8% |
| HS 853641Electrical apparatus: relays, (for a voltage not exceeding 60 volts) | $1.1M | 5 | 9950 | FRA | 99.7% |
| HS 020329Meat: of swine, n.e.s. in item no. 0203.2, frozen | $1.1M | 2 | 9872 | CMR | 99.2% |
| HS 902830Meters: electricity supply or production meters, including calibrating meters thereof | $1.8M | 3 | 9796 | CHN | 98.5% |
Supplier landscape
These supplier names come from the leading peer signal in the screened opportunity rows and should be validated at product level.
CMR
11 screened products
$188.3MCalculated opportunity across these rowsUSA
6 screened products
$38.2MCalculated opportunity across these rowsCHN
7 screened products
$27.4MCalculated opportunity across these rowsOMN
1 screened products
$15.1MCalculated opportunity across these rowsIND
3 screened products
$13.5MCalculated opportunity across these rowsARE
2 screened products
$10.4MCalculated opportunity across these rowsMLI
3 screened products
$9.5MCalculated opportunity across these rowsMAR
2 screened products
$9.4MCalculated opportunity across these rowsFrequently asked questions
Definitions and practical guidance for interpreting market size, growth, suppliers, and concentration.
They are product and supplier combinations in Central African Republic's screened import market with substantial reported demand and calculated opportunity indicators. They are research priorities, not guaranteed savings or supply contracts.
The concentration index indicates how much reported imports rely on a smaller supplier base. A high value can suggest supply dependence, but it can also reflect specialized products or limited reporting.
Start with products that fit your specification and volume needs, then validate suppliers, tariffs, standards, logistics, pricing, and continuity for Central African Republic.
Data source
OECD (2025), Balanced international merchandise trade statistics (BIMTS) - HS2017-6D, OECD Data Explorer (accessed on 2026-08-30). OECD BIMTS is the primary trade series for this view. Supporting bilateral trade context uses CEPII BACI bilateral trade flows (202601) under Etalab 2.0 Open Licence. Yugalinks presents derived views of reported observations and calculated indicators. Data terms: OECD Terms & Conditions.
