Trade partner
U.S. Imports
$32.3M
August 2026
U.S. Exports
$12.3M
August 2026
Trade deficit
$20.0M
August 2026 · U.S. imports more than it exports
In August 2026 the United States imported $32.3M from Gabon and exported $12.3M to it, across 55 imported product categories.
Over the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $606.4M from Gabon and exported $158.3M to it. In August 2026, the U.S. ran a monthly goods trade deficit of $20.0M with Gabon, importing 2.6× as much as it exported. Compared with August 2025, U.S. goods imports from Gabon in August 2026 (preliminary) were 30% lower, and exports to Gabon were 32% higher.
Manganese ore is Gabon's signature export commodity and a critical input for steel alloy production globally, with the country ranking among the world's leading manganese producers. Petroleum also features prominently in Gabon's export profile, though output has matured. Importers of Gabonese manganese should be aware that the ore is typically shipped in bulk through the port of Owendo and that vessel scheduling and port capacity can affect delivery timelines.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
Gabon hosts some of the highest-grade manganese deposits in the world, making it a preferred source for steelmakers and battery-material producers seeking consistent ore quality. Supply concentration in a single country creates exposure to port disruptions or political changes, which procurement teams should factor into sourcing strategies.
The port of Owendo near Libreville is the primary bulk export terminal for manganese. Vessel availability and berth scheduling at Owendo can be a bottleneck during peak demand periods, so importers should build lead-time buffers into purchase contracts.
Members only
Import and export trend charts are available to members. Creating an account is free.
Annual data from BEA | 2025
Services Exports
$58.0M
Services Imports
$29.0M
The top U.S. imports from Gabon are Petroleum Oils & Bituminous Mineral Oils, Manganese Ores & Concentrates and Plywood with at Least One Outer Ply of Tropical Wood, by value in the latest month.
| Rank | Product | Import value |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18.4M | |
| 2 | $9.0M | |
| 3 | $4.3M | |
| 4 | $222K | |
| 5 | $165K | |
| 6 | $115K | |
| 7 | $59K | |
| 8 | $30K | |
| 9 | Estimated Imports of Low-Valued TransactionsChapter 99 · Special Import Reporting Provisions | $12K |
| 10 | $8K |
| $758K |
| 4 | $720K |
| 5 | $492K |
| 6 | $437K |
| 7 | $325K |
| 8 | $313K |
| 9 | $264K |
| 10 | $259K |