Port of Cotonou: import of goods to Niger suspended
By Ibrahima DIALLO
October 31, 2023 / 09:42 am

The Cotonou port platform handles nearly 4 million tonnes of goods annually from or to Niger. The decision by the Beninese authorities risks further hampering trade flows already undermined by the closure of Niger's borders.

A few days ago, the port of Cotonou put a stop to the importation of goods destined for Niger by shippers and shipping companies, citing operational reasons and congestion in its facilities.

"The loading of goods after October 25, 2023 at the ports of origin destined for Niger are suspended at the port of Cotonou until further notice," the press release said.

The authorities nevertheless authorize the application of 3 special customs regimes to these goods stuck on Beninese territory to allow their sale. These are "putting into consumption in Benin, change of route/destination, and transhipment/re-export".

The decision comes as cargo in transit to Niger has accumulated at the port facilities since the closure of Niger's borders in August following the coup.

It implies a further reduction in trade flows between the two countries, with the port of Cotonou constituting a natural extension of international trade to the Atlantic Ocean for landlocked Niger.

 

Ecofin Agency

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