Discusses the distribution network within the country from how products enter to final destination, including reliability and condition of distribution mechanisms, major distribution centers, ports, etc.
Last Published: 2/28/2017
Imported goods can enter Madagascar via air at Ivato international airport in Antananarivo or via sea at the ports of Toamasina, Majunga, Antsiranana, Toliara and Fort Dauphin.  Some 90 percent of containerized imports and exports transit the country’s largest port, at Toamasina.  Products are then distributed by road, sea or rail throughout the country.  Distribution is usually handled by the importing company or by wholesalers and retailers.  Roads are poor in much of the country; some areas cannot be accessed by road during the rainy season (December-March).
 
Five international retail chains (grocery and home equipment) have a multi-city presence in the country.  They are French (Score, Leader Price), South African (Shoprite), Chinese (Horizon Ivato/Sogecoa) and Mauritian (Courts), but most of them also distribute goods and brands of other origins.  These retail distributors apply a higher commercial margin with respect to developed countries as a result of the lower economies of scale and competition.  Retail chains also exist for building materials and other products.  Generally, the distributors bear the transportation costs from their warehouse to the shops.
Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.


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