Dependencia de exportaciones primarias

Primary Export Dependence

by Geoff Riley

Many lower-income developing nations still relying on specializing in and exporting low value added primary commodities. The prices of these goods can be volatile on world markets. When prices fall, an economy will see a sharp reduction in export incomes, an adverse movement in their terms of trade, risks of a higher trade deficit and a danger that a nation will not be able to finance investment in education, healthcare and core infrastructure.

Exports of least-developed countries by major product, 2010
(Percentage)
2005	2010
Others	14.6	19.4
Textiles	1.4	1.3
Other semi-manufactures	3.2	2.3
Raw materials	4.3	3.5
Food	9.2	9.9
Clothing	13.7	11.8
Fuels	53.6	51.7
Source: World Trade Organisation

Here are some examples of export dependence for a selection of countries in Sub-Saharan Africa: The data shows the % of total exports in 2010:

1. Angola: 97% oil
2. Ghana: 39% gold, 26% oil, 17% cocoa
3. Kenya: 19% tea, 12% horticulture
4. Nigeria: 90% oil
5. Senegal: 11% fish, 11% phosphate
6. Tanzania: 37% gold
7. Uganda: 18% coffee
8. Zambia: 84% copper

Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) is often cited as a region where primary sector dependence is very high. SSA’s share in global manufacturing trade remains extremely low.