West Africa is the largest importer and consumer of rice on the continent. While Asia is the main source of its purchases, India is its number one supplier.This increase in shipping costs is due to the strong influx of cargo on maritime routes since November 2024. Indeed, the demand for rice imports in West Africa is reaching its peak period between November and December due to the year-end holidays.Asian exporters are currently facing a surge in freight costs to the countries in the sub-region. The tariff for transporting a twenty-foot container of rice from an Indian port to Cotonou and Lomé has risen to $240, compared to $1,900 in October  2024. According to several market players, the tense situation regarding freight costs is likely to persist until early 2025.

Christelle koambi