Country Information - Mali

ECONOMIC BACKGROUND Mali is among the poorest countries in the world, with 65% of its land area desert or semidesert. Economic activity is largely confined to the riverine area irrigated by the Niger. About 10% of the population is nomadic and some 70% of the labor force is engaged in farming and fishing. Industrial activity is concentrated on processing farm commodities. Mali is heavily dependent on foreign aid and vulnerable to fluctuations in world prices for cotton, its main export. In 1997, the government continued its successful implementation of an IMF-recommended structural adjustment program that is helping the economy grow, diversify, and attract foreign investment. Mali's adherence to economic reform and the 50% devaluation of the African franc in January 1994 have pushed up economic growth to a sturdy 5% average in 1996-2000. In 2001, GDP decreased by 1.2% mainly due to a 50% drop in cotton production in 2000-01. (Source: World factbook, 2002) Click here for Country Map [23kB]

BI-LATERAL TRADE OVERVIEW Trade flows between Mali and the United States have remained fairly constant in recent years, although Mali's imports from the US still significantly outweigh its exports to that country. In 2002, Mali recorded a trade deficit of $ 8,6 million (2001: 26,6 million). Detailed trade statistics can be accessed by following the link ‘Country Trade Profile’ below. Click here for Detailed Trade Profile