Inside Côte d’Ivoire’s Apparel Imports in 2025: A Data-Based Overview by NBD DATA

In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire’s imports of T-shirts and other knitted undergarments (HS Code 6109900000) showed steady growth, reflecting the country’s expanding demand for affordable and mid-range apparel. According to trade data from NBD DATA, the total import value reached USD 6.35 million, covering 1,480 transactions across 30 supplier countries.

The imports involved 180 importers and 365 exporters, indicating a highly diversified clothing market with both regional traders and international brands. Most of these products consisted of cotton-based T-shirts and vests, commonly used in everyday wear and informal retail markets.

Monthly Import Performance

Côte d’Ivoire’s apparel imports fluctuated moderately through the year, with the strongest performance in September 2025 and a seasonal slowdown in June. The data reveals a consistent monthly flow, suggesting ongoing consumer demand supported by wholesale and retail clothing distributors.

The surge in September coincided with pre-holiday retail stocking, while December’s stable imports reflect consistent consumer spending and the influence of regional trade inflows from neighboring West African markets.

Leading Importers

Based on NBD DATA records, Côte d’Ivoire’s leading importers of T-shirts and similar apparel in 2025 were:

1. IVOIRE NEGOCE MANUTENTION

2. YOHOU RODOLPHE GUY

3. USAGER POUR DÉCLARATION SIMPLIFIÉE

4. DECATHLON COTE D'IVOIRE

5. TMT INVEST

These companies dominate the local clothing import market, sourcing primarily from suppliers in China, the United Arab Emirates, Ghana, and France. Notably, DECATHLON COTE D’IVOIRE serves as the local arm of the global sportswear retailer, importing branded T-shirts and athletic tops from Ireland and Singapore.

Key Export Partners

In 2025, Côte d’Ivoire imported T-shirts and undergarments from 30 countries, with the top partners being:

• China – The leading exporter, accounting for most mass-produced cotton T-shirts.

• United Arab Emirates – A major re-export hub for regional textile distribution.

• Ghana – Supplied both wholesale garments and informal cross-border trade goods.

• France – Provided mid-range and branded European apparel.

• Turkey and India – Contributed diverse product ranges, especially in synthetic-blend clothing.

This trade structure demonstrates Côte d’Ivoire’s hybrid market — combining affordable imports from Asia and regional suppliers with premium products from Europe.

Market Insights

The local apparel market in Côte d’Ivoire remains driven by price-sensitive consumers, with imported T-shirts forming a staple in informal markets across Abidjan and other urban centers. At the same time, retail chains like Decathlon and emerging e-commerce sellers are introducing branded and sportswear categories to urban middle-class buyers.

Many importers, such as IVOIRE NEGOCE MANUTENTION and TMT INVEST, also act as intermediaries, redistributing imported goods to smaller retailers across West Africa. The rise of regional trade integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is expected to further boost the cross-border apparel supply chain in 2026.

Product Focus

The dominant products under HS 6109900000 include:

• Knitted cotton T-shirts for men and women

• Polyester-blend tops and undershirts

• Sports and promotional T-shirts

• Casual and corporate branded shirts

These products cater to both mass market retail and institutional demand (e.g., uniforms, sports clubs, and event merchandising).

Outlook

Côte d’Ivoire’s imports of T-shirts and other knitted garments are likely to continue expanding in 2026 as the domestic retail and manufacturing sectors modernize. The increasing youth population, coupled with growing urban consumption, will sustain steady import volumes.

At the same time, local textile workshops and regional traders may benefit from re-export opportunities to nearby countries such as Ghana, Mali, and Burkina Faso.

Overall, Côte d’Ivoire’s 2025 apparel import landscape reflects both rising consumer demand and diversified sourcing patterns, with China, UAE, and Europe remaining key trade partners.

Data Source

All figures and trade insights in this report are based on verified customs data collected and analyzed by NBD DATA.
For further apparel industry intelligence or custom trade research, visit NBD DATA Service