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The twenty imports Togo is best placed to replace.

Togo imported USD 5.6bn of manufactured goods in 2024 and exported USD 603m. These are the twenty that sit closest to what it already makes well and where one country supplies most of them.

USD 869mthe twenty, imported in 2024
39products imported at scale, not yet exported well, and close to existing strengths
163products Togo already exports well
97product lines imported at USD 10m or more
The twenty

Demand, capability, exposure. Nothing else is claimed.

Each line shows the import bill, where it comes from, the nearest thing Togo already exports well, and how many countries make it. It does not say whether a plant in Togo would pay. That reason is not in any trade record, and it is the maker's question.

This edition is trade and capability only, scored out of 8. The UK edition adds which public bodies buy each product and which region holds the capability; those layers are built only where a country publishes contract awards and regional trade, and Togo does not publish them in a form this record can read yet.

  1. 1

    Sugars: sucrose, chemically pure, in solid form, not containing added flavouring or colouring matterHS 170199

    Comes fromBrazil 76%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthSugar confectionery: chewing gum, whether or not sugar-coated, not... (exports USD 115k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m
    Countries that export it well44

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 215m, top 4 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 7 per cent (3); Brazil supplies 76 per cent (2).

    USD 215mup 72% on 2022
  2. 2

    T-shirts, singlets and other vests: of textile materials (other than cotton), knitted or crochetedHS 610990

    Comes fromChina 95%, 12 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBlouses, shirts and shirt-blouses: women's or girls', of cotton... (exports USD 782k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 320k; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well41

    Score 8 of 8: import bill USD 71m, top 8 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 6 per cent (3); China supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 71mup 107% on 2022
  3. 3

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620462

    Comes fromChina 100%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrack suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of textile... (exports USD 157k)
    Exports of this linenone recorded; 1 more line in the heading, USD 38m
    Countries that export it well29

    Score 7 of 8: import bill USD 67m, top 9 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 22 per cent (2); China supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 67mup 342% on 2022
  4. 4

    Footwear: n.e.c. in heading no. 6402, (other than just covering the ankle), with outer soles and uppers of rubber or...HS 640299

    Comes fromChina 94%, 11 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFootwear: n.e.c. in chapter 64 (exports USD 270k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 692k
    Countries that export it well16

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 123m, top 5 per cent of candidates (3); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 31 per cent (1); China supplies 94 per cent (2).

    USD 123mup 14% on 2022
  5. 5

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: men's or boys', of cotton (not knitted or crocheted)HS 620342

    Comes fromChina 99%, 10 source countries
    Nearest export strengthTrack suits and other garments n.e.c.: women's or girls', of textile... (exports USD 157k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 2k
    Countries that export it well39

    Score 6 of 8: import bill USD 30m, top 28 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 9 per cent (3); China supplies 99 per cent (2).

    USD 30mup 1% on 2022
  6. 6

    Medicaments: consisting of mixed or unmixed products n.e.c. in heading no. 3004, for therapeutic or prophylactic uses...HS 300490

    Comes fromFrance 68%, 26 source countries
    Nearest export strengthMedicaments: containing antimalarial active principles described in... (exports USD 150k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4m
    Countries that export it well32

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 43m, top 14 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 47 per cent (1); France supplies 68 per cent (2).

    USD 43mdown 8% on 2022
  7. 7

    Ceramic flooring blocks, supports or filler tiles and the like (excluding building bricks)HS 690490

    Comes fromChina 100%, 1 source country
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well17

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 39m, top 19 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 46 per cent (1); China supplies 100 per cent (2).

    USD 39mup 83% on 2022
  8. 8

    Sauces and preparations therefor: mixed condiments and mixed seasoningsHS 210390

    Comes fromChina 72%, 16 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk...
    Exports of this lineUSD 267k
    Countries that export it well45

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 21m, top 43 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 13 per cent (2); China supplies 72 per cent (2).

    USD 21mup 46% on 2022
  9. 9

    Cement: portland, other than white, whether or not artificially colouredHS 252329

    Comes fromNigeria 95%, 4 source countries
    Nearest export strengthNatural calcium phosphates, natural aluminium calcium phosphates and... (exports USD 195m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 8k
    Countries that export it well54

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 18m, top 51 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 3 per cent (3); Nigeria supplies 95 per cent (2).

    USD 18mdown 10% on 2022
  10. 10

    Fertilizers, mineral or chemical: containing the three fertilizing elements nitrogen, phosphorus and potassiumHS 310520

    Comes fromMorocco 90%, 5 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or steel (excluding cast iron): tubes, pipes and hollow...
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 5 of 8: import bill USD 16m, top 55 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 8 per cent (3); Morocco supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 16mup 219% on 2022
  11. 11

    Ethylene polymers: in primary forms, polyethylene having a specific gravity of 0.94 or moreHS 390120

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 43%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 80k; 2 more lines in the heading, USD 45m
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 38m, top 20 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 48 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 43 per cent (1).

    USD 38mup 18% on 2022
  12. 12

    Insulated electric conductors: for a voltage not exceeding 1000 volts, not fitted with connectorsHS 854449

    Comes fromChina 57%, 25 source countries
    Nearest export strengthWaste and scrap of lead-acid accumulators: spent lead-acid... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 1m; 1 more line in the heading, USD 13m
    Countries that export it well35

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 33m, top 25 per cent of candidates (2); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 37 per cent (1); China supplies 57 per cent (1).

    USD 33mdown 55% on 2022
  13. 13

    Vegetable preparations: tomatoes, (other than whole or in pieces), prepared or preserved otherwise than by vinegar or...HS 200290

    Comes fromChina 90%, 8 source countries
    Nearest export strengthJuice: pineapple, of a Brix value not exceeding 20, unfermented... (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 236k
    Countries that export it well24

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 31m, top 27 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 32 per cent (1); China supplies 90 per cent (2).

    USD 31mup 8% on 2022
  14. 14

    Iron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, in irregularly wound coils, n.e.c. in heading no. 7213, of...HS 721391

    Comes fromChina 93%, 3 source countries
    Nearest export strengthIron or non-alloy steel: bars and rods, hot-rolled, hot-drawn or... (exports USD 4m)
    Exports of this linenone recorded
    Countries that export it well31

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 23m, top 38 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 29 per cent (1); China supplies 93 per cent (2).

    USD 23mdown 49% on 2022
  15. 15

    Fish preparations: sardines, sardinella and brisling or sprats, prepared or preserved, whole or in pieces (but not...HS 160413

    Comes fromMorocco 73%, 9 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 90k
    Countries that export it well19

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 22m, top 42 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 34 per cent (1); Morocco supplies 73 per cent (2).

    USD 22mup 78% on 2022
  16. 16

    Trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts: women's or girls', of cotton, knitted or crochetedHS 610462

    Comes fromChina 99%, 3 source countries
    Nearest export strengthBlouses, shirts and shirt-blouses: women's or girls', of cotton... (exports USD 782k)
    Exports of this lineUSD 671k; 3 more lines in the heading, USD 37m
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 17m, top 53 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 11 per cent (2); China supplies 99 per cent (2).

    USD 17mdown 41% on 2022
  17. 17

    Textiles: made up articles (including dress patterns), n.e.c. in chapter 63, n.e.c. in heading no. 6307HS 630790

    Comes fromIndia 92%, 18 source countries
    Nearest export strengthClothing: worn, and other worn articles (exports USD 2m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 4k
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 12m, top 76 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 25 per cent (2); India supplies 92 per cent (2).

    USD 12mup 5% on 2022
  18. 18

    Food preparations: sweet biscuits, whether or not containing cocoaHS 190531

    Comes fromIndia 62%, 20 source countries
    Nearest export strengthFood preparations: pasta, uncooked (excluding that containing eggs)... (exports USD 1m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 263k
    Countries that export it well52

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 12m, top 79 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 14 per cent (2); India supplies 62 per cent (2).

    USD 12mup 70% on 2022
  19. 19

    Sanitary towels (pads) and tampons, napkins (diapers), napkin liners and similar articles, of any materialHS 961900

    Comes fromChina 63%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthnone in the same chapter
    Exports of this lineUSD 436k
    Countries that export it well34

    Score 4 of 8: import bill USD 11m, top 96 per cent of candidates (0); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 16 per cent (2); China supplies 63 per cent (2).

    USD 11mdown 24% on 2022
  20. 20

    Propylene, other olefin polymers: polypropylene in primary formsHS 390210

    Comes fromSaudi Arabia 49%, 13 source countries
    Nearest export strengthPlastics: tubes, pipes and hoses thereof, rigid, of polymers of... (exports USD 5m)
    Exports of this lineUSD 15k
    Countries that export it well26

    Score 3 of 8: import bill USD 27m, top 32 per cent of candidates (1); proximity to Togo's export strengths in the top 44 per cent (1); Saudi Arabia supplies 49 per cent (1).

    USD 27mdown 12% on 2022

One line per customs heading. Products Togo already exports well and still imports are below, because they are a different conversation. No employment figures appear on this page, by decision.

Made here already, still imported

Scale conversations, not capability ones.

  • Fabrics, woven: containing 85% or more by weight of cotton, printed, plain... imports USD 246m, exports USD 314k, top source China 86%
  • Clothing: worn, and other worn articles imports USD 59m, exports USD 2m, top source Poland 16%
  • Food preparations: pasta, uncooked (excluding that containing eggs), not... imports USD 55m, exports USD 1m, top source Turkey 93%
  • Food preparations: of flour, meal, starch, malt extract or milk products, for... imports USD 54m, exports USD 1m, top source Malaysia 44%
  • Footwear: with outer soles and uppers of rubber or plastics, upper straps or... imports USD 18m, exports USD 243k, top source China 100%
  • Paper and paperboard: exercise books imports USD 16m, exports USD 119k, top source China 90%
  • Plastics: sacks and bags (including cones), for the conveyance or packing of... imports USD 18m, exports USD 3m, top source China 47%
  • Vessels and other floating structures: for breaking up imports USD 11m, exports USD 869k, top source Nigeria 100%
How the twenty were chosen

Three scores, each from a field the record carries.

Import bill, 0 to 3, by percentile among the 97 lines imported at USD 10m or more: above the median one point, top quarter two, top tenth three.

Proximity to export strengths, 0 to 3, on the same percentiles: the product-space method (Hidalgo, Klinger, Barabasi and Hausmann, Science 2007) on CEPII's BACI file of every bilateral trade flow for 2024, 157 countries and 5,388 products. Two products are close when the countries that export one well tend to export the other well. Only products in the upper half for proximity can enter the list at all: best placed is a proximity claim.

Supply concentration, 0 to 2: one point when a single country supplies 40 per cent or more, two at 60 per cent.

Scope. Manufactured goods, customs chapters 16 to 96, excluding ores, fuels and precious metals. Primary agriculture is out of scope for a page about manufacture.

What it cannot tell you

A map of where to look.

Trade data says what crossed the border, not why. Cost, scale, patents, tariffs and the plain fact that a supplier is good at it are all invisible here. The world file reconciles what each pair of countries reports, so a national customs file would differ in detail. Nothing on this page is a forecast or a promise.

Source: CEPII BACI, HS22, version 202601, years 2022 to 2024. Edition of 2026-11-02. The UK edition with its procurement and regional layers is at /made-here/.

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