Nigeria eclipses SA in export growth from US

WHILE THE growth in Chinese trade with Africa is making headlines, the United States Commercial Service reports that US trade with sub-Saharan Africa increased 10% in the first half of 2007 from the same period in 2006, as both exports and imports grew. US exports increased by 30% to $6.7 billion, driven mainly by increases in parts for oil field equipment, vehicles and parts, aircraft, wheat, platforms for offshore oil drilling, non-crude oil and medical equipment. Of the top five African destinations for US products, exports to South Africa rose by 8 % and those to Nigeria rose by 42%. “As the markets in sub-Saharan Africa continue to show substantial growth and potential, Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa stand out as particularly advantageous destinations for US exporters seeking to leverage business opportunities in this exciting region,” according to the latest Economic Report on Africa (ERA 2008) compiled by the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa.