Learn about barriers to market entry and local requirements, i.e., things to be aware of when entering the market for this country.
Last Published: 6/15/2016

STP is one of the poorest countries in the world.  Roughly half of STP’s population lives in poverty. 

Aside from donor funding, the economy remains primarily dependent on agriculture, with a small but growing contribution from tourism.  

Attempts to diversify the economy are achieving minimal success.  A lack of basic infrastructure (roads, electricity, and water) hampers investment.

STP suffers from isolation from potential markets, limited institutional capacity, and a limited resource base, both human and natural.

STP has a small internal market and limited access to foreign capital.

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.


More Information

Sao Tome and Principe Trade Development and Promotion