Cote d’Ivoire - Market Challenges Cote d'Ivoire - Market Challenges
- Slow and/or opaque decisionmaking in the Ivoirian government;
- Higher freight rates and longer transit times from the United States than from Europe;
- Consolidated product packaging for the entire francophone region gives francophone businesses a cost advantage;
- More favorable credit terms by European suppliers to local importers;
- High customs clearance costs, added to uncertain customs clearance times for inexperienced importers;
- Significant delays at the Port of Abidjan, generally during customs procedures. Companies cite pressures to pay customs officials for “expediting” clearance.
- Uncertain legal protection due to irregular practices within the court system;
- Limited Ivoirian purchasing power for U.S.-made consumer goods.