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  ANNEX  5 – MALI  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  CONTENTS  
1   ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  ................................ ................................ ......................  310  
1.1   Main features  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  310 
1.2   Recent economic developments  ................................ ................................ ..................  312 
1.3   Trade performance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 315 
1.4   Foreign direct investment  ................................ ................................ ..........................  317 
2   TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES ................................ ................................ .........  319  
2.1   Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ .................  319 
2.2   Trade policy formulation and objectives  ................................ ................................ ....... 319 
2.3   Trade agreements and arrangements  ................................ ................................ ..........  320 
2.3.1    WTO ................................ ................................ ................................ ....................  320 
2.3.2    Regional and preferential agreements  ................................ ................................ ...... 323 
2.4   Investment regime  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 323 
3   TRADE POLICIES AND P RACTICES BY MEASURE  ................................ ......................  327  
3.1   Measures directly affecting imports  ................................ ................................ .............  327 
3.1.1    Customs pr ocedures, valuation and requirements  ................................ ......................  327 
3.1.2    Rules of origin  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 328 
3.1.3   Customs levies  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 328 
3.1.3.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  328 
3.1.3.2    Bindings  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  329 
3.1.4    Internal taxes ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  329 
3.1.5    Duty and tax concessions  ................................ ................................ .......................  330 
3.1.6    Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ ...........................  330 
3.1.7    Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  ................................ ...............  332 
3.1.8    Other measures  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 332 
3.2   Measures directly affecting exports  ................................ ................................ .............  332 
3.2.1    Customs procedures and requirements  ................................ ................................ ..... 332 
3.2.2    Export taxes, duties and levies  ................................ ................................ ................  332 
3.2.3    Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  ................................ ............................  332 
3.2.4    Export support and promotion  ................................ ................................ .................  332 
3.3   Measures affecting production and trade  ................................ ................................ ..... 333 
3.3.1    Incentives  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  333 
3.3.2    Standards, technical regulations and other requirements  ................................ ............  333 
3.3.3    Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  ................................ ................................ .. 334 
3.3.4    Competition policy and price controls  ................................ ................................ ....... 335 
3.3.5    State trading, State -owned enterprises and privatization  ................................ ............  336 
3.3.6    Government procurement  ................................ ................................ .......................  337 
3.3.7    Intellectual property rights  ................................ ................................ ......................  339 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4   TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  ................................ ................................ ...................  342  
4.1   Agriculture  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...............  342 
4.1.1    Overview  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  342 
4.1.2    Agricultural pol icy ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 342 
4.1.3    Policy by subsector  ................................ ................................ ................................  343 
4.1.3.1    Vegetable products  ................................ ................................ .............................  343 
4.1.3.1.1    Cotton  ................................ ................................ ................................ ............  343 
4.1.3.1.2    Cereals  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...........  344 
4.1.3.1.3    Mangoes  ................................ ................................ ................................ .........  345 
4.1.3.2    Forestry and logging  ................................ ................................ ...........................  345 
4.1.3.3    Livestock farming  ................................ ................................ ................................  345 
4.1.3.4    Fishing and aquaculture  ................................ ................................ .......................  346 
4.2   Mining and energy  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 346 
4.2.1    Mining products  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 346 
4.2.2    Hydrocarbons  ................................ ................................ ................................ ........  348 
4.2.3    Electricity  ................................ ................................ ................................ .............  349 
4.2.4    Water  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...................  349 
4.3   Manufacturing sector  ................................ ................................ ................................  350 
4.4   Services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..................  350 
4.4.1    Transport ................................ ................................ ................................ ..............  350 
4.4.1.1    Road transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 351 
4.4.1.2    Rail transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..... 351 
4.4.1.3    River transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 351 
4.4.1.4   Air transport  ................................ ................................ ................................ ....... 352 
4.4.1.5    Port services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ...... 352 
4.4.2    Posts and telecommunications  ................................ ................................ .................  352 
4.4.2.1    Telecommunications  ................................ ................................ ............................  353 
4.4.2.2    Postal services  ................................ ................................ ................................ .... 354 
4.4.3    Tourism  ................................ ................................ ................................ ................  354 
4.4.4    Financial services  ................................ ................................ ................................ ... 355 
4.4.4.1    Banking and microfinance services  ................................ ................................ ........  355 
4.4.4.2    Insurance  ................................ ................................ ................................ ..........  355 
5   APPE NDIX  TABLES  ................................ ................................ ................................ .. 357  
 
CHARTS  
 
Chart 1.1 Structure merchandise trade by HS section and chapter, 2010 and 2016  ..................  316 
Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2010 and 2016  ................................ .....................  317 WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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TABLES  
 
Table 1.1 Main macroeconomic indicators, 2009 -2016 ................................ ..........................  310 
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2009 -2016 ................................ ................................ .........  314 
Table 1.3 Foreign direct investment, 2009 -2016 ................................ ................................ .. 318 
Table 2.1 Texts of domestic trade - and investment -related laws and regulations  ......................  319 
Table 2.2 Notifications by  Mali to the WTO, 2010 -2016 ................................ .........................  321 
Table 2.3 Preferential regimes under the Investment Code  ................................ ....................  324 
Table 3.1 Special tax on certain products (ISCP)  ................................ ................................ .. 329 
Table 3.2 Products subject to the absolute or restrictive prohibition regime, 2017  ....................  330 
Table 3.3 State -owne d enterprises, 2017  ................................ ................................ ............  337 
Table 3.4 Statistics on contracts awarded, 2010 -2016 ................................ ..........................  338 
Table 3.5 Filing of industrial property titles with CEMAPI, 2013 -2016 ................................ ...... 340 
Table 4.1 Cotton production, 2010 -2015 ................................ ................................ .............  344 
Table 4.2 Trend in livestock numbers in Mali, 2007 -2016 ................................ ......................  345 
Table 4.3 Raw gold production statistics in tonnes, 2010 -2016 ................................ ..............  347 
 
APPENDIX TABLES  
 
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports by HS section and major HS chapter, 2010 -2016 ..................  357 
Table A1. 2 Merchandise imports by HS section and major HS chapter, 2010 -2016 ..................  358 
Table A1. 3 Destination of exports, 2010 -2016 ................................ ................................ .... 359 
Table A1. 4 Origin of imports, 2010 -2016 ................................ ................................ ...........  360 
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  1  ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT  
1.1  Main features  
1.1.  Mali is a least developed country (LDC) with an area of 1,241,238 km2 and a population of 
17.6 million in 2015. It shares borders with seven countries and has no access to the sea. The 
ports of Dakar and Abidjan, through which most of its international traffic passes, are about 
1,200  km from its capital and mai n economic centre, Bamako. The country is irrigated by 
two large navigable rivers, the Niger and the Senegal.  
1.2.  Mali has several economic advantages, including its mineral wealth and enormous agricultural 
potential. It has major underground mineral deposits including gold, phosphate, rock salt, oil, 
limestone, bauxite, iron, manganese, gypsum, uranium, and marble. Gold is the leading export 
(ahead of cotton and live cattle).  
1.3.  The business climate has recently improved according to the World Bank's Doing Busine ss 
indicator, which ranked Mali 141st out of 190 countries in 2017, up from 153rd out of 183 in 2011. 
This reflects measures adopted to simplify processes for starting a business, dealing with 
construction permits and registering property.1 
1.4.  Despite progres s since 2011, Mali's Human Development Index (HDI) remains low. According 
to the 2015 Human Development Report published by the United Nations Development Programme 
(UNDP), its HDI was 0.42 in 2014, compared to 0.36 in 2011, ranking the country 179th out o f 
188 countries.2 
1.5.  During the review period, agriculture's share of GDP gradually increased, while that of 
manufacturing industries declined (Table 1.1). The Malian economy remains poorly diversified and 
continues to rely heavily on the primary sector, whic h makes it hostage to weather conditions in 
the case of agriculture, and vulnerable to fluctuations in gold and cotton prices, which are the 
country's main production sectors. Moreover, the agricultural sector (including livestock and 
fisheries), which emp loys nearly 80% of the working population3, continues to use rudimentary 
techniques that constrain productivity and hold down farmers' incomes. The services sector is also 
important, contributing just under half of total GDP, driven mainly by commerce and by transport 
and telecommunications services. The manufacturing sector is still embryonic and offers 
opportunities for economic diversification; it is currently dominated by the agri -food and 
metallurgical and iron smelting industries.  
Table 1.1 Main macroeconomic indicators, 2009 -2016  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
GDP at current prices 
(US$ million)  10,181.0  10,678.8  12,978.1  12,442.7  13,245.8  14,388.4  13,038.0  14, 000.1  
GDP at current prices 
(€ million)a 7,328.7  8,062.9  9,335.9  9,684.1  9,976.2  10,845.0  11,755.8  12, 656.6  
Nominal GDP per 
capita (US$)  692.8  704.1  829.8  772.2  798.3  842.1  740.8  778.0  
Nominal GDP per 
capita (€)  498.7  531.6  597.0  601.0  601.3  634.7  667.9  703.3  
GDP at constant prices 
(variation %)  4.7 5.4 3.2 -0.8 2.3 7.0 6.0 5.4 
Population (million)  14.6 15.1 15.5 16.0 16.5 17.0 17.5 18.0 
Rural population (% of 
total population)  64.8 64.0 63.2 62.4 61.6 60.9 60.1 59.3 
Unemployment (% of 
total active 
population)  9.4 7.3 6.9 6.9 7.3 8.2 8.1 8.1 
Inflation 
(CPI - variation %)  2.5 1.1 2.9 5.4 -0.6 0.9 1.4 -1.8 
                                                
1 Online information  viewed at: http://www.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/mali . 
2 Online information  viewed at: 
http://hdr.undp.org/sites/default/files/2015_human_development_ report_overview_ -_fr.pdf . 
3 Online information  viewed at: http://www.afd.fr/home/pays/afrique/geo -afr/mali/axes -strategiques -
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   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
GDP by type of expenditure, at constant prices (% change)  
Final consumption 
expenditure  n.a. 12.6 2.1 -0.2 2.1 7.6 6.0 4.5 
 Private 
consumption  n.a. 13.6 0.2 2.9 1.3 8.6 5.6 4.0 
 Public 
consumption  n.a. 7.4 12.2 -14.5 6.2 2.0 8.1 7.0 
Gross fixed capital 
formation (GFCF)  n.a. 10.7 15.1 -24.1 15.9 5.2 7.5 6.9 
Exports of goods and 
services  -11.1 -0.2 6.2 8.8 2.5 1.1 4.7 4.0 
Imports of goods and 
services  -4.7 26.7 5.5 -5.3 5.9 5.5 5.7 3.5 
Distribution of GDP at current basic prices (% of GDP)  
Agriculture, livestock, 
forestry and fishing  34.6 35.4 37.0 40.7 39.2 39.8 40.4 40.3 
 Agriculture  15.9 16.8 18.2 20.1 17.5 18.7 19.7 20.2 
 Livestock and 
hunting  13.7 14.0 14.4 15.7 16.5 16.0 15.6 15.1 
 Forestry  2.1 1.9 2.0 2.0 2.2 2.1 2.1 2.1 
 Fishing  2.9 2.7 2.5 2.9 3.0 2.9 2.9 2.9 
Mining and quarrying  0.6 0.8 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 0.6 
Manufacturing  18.1 16.3 15.3 17.2 15.0 15.2 14.0 13.4 
 Metal casting and 
 foundry (gold)  9.8 8.9 8.7 10.9 7.8 7.1 6.8 6.2 
Electricity gas and 
water  0.5 0.5 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 
Construction and 
public works  8.4 8.1 6.7 4.1 4.8 4.9 4.9 5.0 
Services  39.5 40.3 41.2 38.6 41.2 40.4 41.0 41.5 
 Commerce, repair 
 services  11.1 11.8 12.0 11.8 12.3 11.8 11.7 12.1 
 Transport and 
 communications  5.9 5.7 5.0 4.9 5.8 5.9 6.0 6.2 
 Financial activities  2.0 2.0 1.9 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.9 1.9 
 Real estate activities 
 and business 
 services  4.6 4.4 3.9 3.6 3.9 3.8 3.8 3.8 
 Public administration  9.2 9.9 12.5 11.0 11.5 11.3 11.9 11.8 
 Other services  6.8 6.5 5.9 5.2 5.7 5.7 5.7 5.6 
Financial 
intermediation 
services indirectly 
measured (FISIM)  -1.6 -1.4 -1.2 -1.5 -1.3 -1.2 -1.2 -1.2 
External sector  
Current account (% of 
current GDP)  -6.4 -11.1 -5.1 -2.2 -2.8 -4.7 -5.3 -2.7 
Balance of goods (% 
of current GDP)  -2.1 -6.2 -2.6 0.9 -1.9 -3.5 -3.6 -0.5 
Balance of services (% 
of current GDP)  -4.7 -6.0 -5.5 -5.8 -13.1 -11.9 -12.0 -11.7 
Overall balance (% of 
current GDP)  -7.4 -3.7 -4.3 -3.1 -2.3 -1.0 -1.5 -1.4 
Total reserves 
excluding gold 
(US$ million)  130.9  129.2  128.8  129.4  133.8  123.0  110.0  123.6  
CFAF per US$ (annual 
average)  472.2  495.3  471.9  510.5  494.0  494.4  591.4  593.0  
Nominal effective 
exchange rate 
(2000  = 100)  117.9  113.5  114.9  112.7  116.8  120.3  116.8  119.2  
Real effective 
exchange rate 
(2000=100)  117.4  111.3  111.9  112.5  113.0  115.0  110.9  110.1  
Concessional external 
debt (US$  million)  1,938.3  2,192.6  2,430.7  2,683.7  2,980.4  3,022.7  3,258.2  n.a. 
Total external debt 
(US$ million)  2,210.3  2,455.8  2,921.9  3,056.2  3,423.8  3,429.5  3,668.3  n.a. 
Concessional 
debt/Total debt (%)  87.7 89.3 83.2 87.8 87.1 88.1 88.8 n.a. WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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   2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Public finance (% of GDP at current market prices)  
Total income and 
grants  18.6 17.5 17.2 14.6 17.6 17.0 19.2 21.6 
Total income excluding 
grants  15.1 15.2 14.2 14.5 14.5 14.8 16.5 20.0 
 Current income  15.1 13.8 12.6 12.8 12.9 14.2 n.a. 15.5 
 Tax revenue  13.0 12.9 11.9 11.9 13.2 12.5 14.0 14.9 
 Taxes on foreign 
 trade  n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 1.7 1.6 1.8 n.a. 
 Grants  4.0 2.3 3.2 0.2 3.1 2.2 2.7 1.6 
Total expenditure and 
net loans  22.8 20.2 20.4 14.8 19.7 20.0 21.4 25.5 
 Current expenditure  11.4 11.3 11.6 10.7 12.2 11.9 12.1 12.2 
 Capital expenditure  9.5 7.1 7.2 2.7 6.0 6.5 7.5 8.9 
 Net loans  0.4 0.3 -0.1 0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 -0.1 
Current balance  3.7 2.5 1.0 2.1 0.6 2.2 n.a. 3.3 
Overall balance 
excluding grants  -7.8 -5.0 -6.6 -1.3 -5.2 -5.2 -4.9 -5.5 
Overall balance  -3.7 -2.7 -3.4 -1.1 -2.2 -3.0 -2.2 -3.9 
Variation in arrears  0.0 -0.5 -0.2 -0.3 -0.2 -0.7 -0.4 0.0 
Overall balance, cash 
basis -4.3 -2.7 -3.1 -1.0 -2.5 -2.5 -2.5 -3.9 
Financing needs:          
 External financing  3.8 2.4 2.2 0.1 1.5 1.0 1.7 1.3 
 Domestic financing  0.5 1.8 0.9 0.4 0.9 1.5 0.8 2.6 
External public debt  n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
a The CFA franc, which is the common currency of the WAEMU countries, is peg ged to the euro at a 
rate of: € 1 = CFAF 655.9 6. 
Source:  Online information from IMF eLibrary -Data; online information from the World Bank; Central Bank of 
West African States, Annuaire statistique 2015 ; and online information from INSTAT Mali.  
1.6.  The informal sector continues to play a key role in Mali's economy, contributing an estimated 
55% of GDP, while encompassing nearly 98% of the primary and 66% of the tertia ry sector.4 
Migrant workers' remittances are a major source of income for a large segment of the Malian 
population.  
1.7.  Mali is a member of the West African Monetary Union (WAEMU) and the Economic 
Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Its monetary and for eign exchange policies are the 
responsibility of the Central Bank of West African States; and it uses the WAEMU common 
currency, the African Financial Community Franc (CFA franc), which is pegged to the euro at a 
fixed rate of CFAF 655,957 per euro (common  report, section 1). As part of their multilateral 
surveillance, WAEMU countries have established several convergence criteria, as discussed in 
section 1 of the common report.  
1.2  Recent economic developments  
1.8.  During the review period, Mali's economic performan ce was punctuated by natural shocks 
and institutional problems. The country endured a major socio -political crisis in 2012 and 2013, 
caused partly by the occupation of an area of its territory by armed groups and partly by a military 
coup. The process of r estoring constitutional order, with support from the international community, 
was achieved through Presidential and National Assembly elections in 2013. Moreover, the political 
situation has stabilized thanks to the Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation i n Mali, signed in 
2015, but security remains fragile . 
1.9.  Following annual GDP growth of around 5.4% in 2010, mainly thanks to the robust 
performance of the agricultural sector, the expansion eased slightly to 3.2% in 2011; and, in the 
following year, the Mali an economy contracted by 0.8% (Table 1.1). This sharp decline was 
brought on by a drought episode and was exacerbated by a series of socio -political disturbances 
                                                
4 Online information  viewed at: http://www.instat -mali.org/contenu/pub/compnat99 -13_pub.pdf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  and a deteriorating security situation in the north of the country, which hindered economic ac tivity. 
In addition to the decline in agricultural production, services, including trade, hotels and 
restaurants, were also severely affected. The decision by Mali's development partners to suspend 
all budgetary support and slow down much of their project assistance also weakened public 
investment.  
1.10.   Following a slight recovery in 2013, Mali returned to economic growth in 2014 at a rate of 
7%. An improvement in the security situation and the resumption of aid from donors have helped 
restore confidence. Econom ic activity has recovered strongly, even in the services subsectors 
worst hit by the crisis (commerce, hotels and restaurants). The Malian economy has also benefited 
from rainfall that has assisted agricultural production, as well as the dynamism of the 
telecommunications sector, following the recent grant of a third mobile telephony license 
(section  4.4). Nonetheless, 2015 and 2016 again saw slightly weaker economic activity, with GDP 
growth rates estimated at 6% and 5.4%, respectively, owing to the poor p erformance of the 
agricultural sector, particularly the cotton industry.  
1.11.   As a WAEMU member, Mali applies the monetary policy implemented by the Central Bank of 
West African States (BCEAO), which pursues price stability as its chief goal (common report, 
section 1). Inflation in Mali has remained within the community convergence threshold of 3%, 
except in 2012, when poor harvests caused food prices to surge. Mali then experienced deflation in 
2013, in the wake of a steep fall in the prices of staple foods, be fore prices resumed their steady 
upward trend over the next two years. In 2016, abundant availability of staple foods and lower 
hydrocarbon prices resulted in a further drop in prices.  
1.12.   The third generation of the Growth and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper  2012-2017 
(GPRSP III), adopted in late 2011, provided the basis for all Mali's development policies and 
strategies. During its implementation, the GPRSP was complemented by the Priority Actions Plan 
(PAP) for 2012 -2017, and by the Urgent Priority Actions Plan (PAPU) and the Sustainable Recovery 
Plan (PRED) for 2013 -2014. In 2016, the Government reformulated and extended the GPRSP III in 
a new document, the Strategic Framework for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Development 
(CREDD), which will serve as a reference framework for economic and financial policies in 
2016-2018. Moreover, while the effects of the crisis appear to have increased poverty between 
2012 and 2013, the incidence of which rose from 42.7% to 47.1%, the economic recovery that 
began in 201 4 helped to bring the poverty rate down to 46.9% in that year.5 
1.13.   As part of the reforms under the GPRSP III and the IMF dialogue under the Extended Credit 
Facility, Mali's fiscal policy emphasizes the need to mobilize domestic revenues, finance priority 
spending (education, health and national land management), and minimize the use of domestic 
borrowing. The budget deficit, which had improved in 2010 (2.7% of GDP) thanks to income from 
the privatization of the Mali Telecommunication Company (SOTELMA), worsen ed in 2011 to 3.4% 
of GDP before narrowing sharply to 1.1% of GDP in 2012. The Government responded to the 
socio-political crises by compensating for the revenue loss through cuts in both public investment 
and subsidies for petroleum products and cooking g as (section 4), and by letting payment arrears 
accumulate. Following the 2012 budgetary tightening, the deficit worsened steadily until 2014, 
before improving in the following year (Table 1.1).  
1.14.   Since 2013, with the return of donors, budgetary efforts have been in line with the 
Government's various strategic programmes. To this end, the authorities are determined to keep 
social spending (health, education and social development) above a certain minimum. To maintain 
this pace of expenditure and fund an increa se in capital spending while stabilizing the budget 
balance, the current reforms of the tax and customs administrations aim to increase tax revenue 
by strengthening taxpayer compliance, streamlining procedures, and improving cooperation 
between the agencie s and directorates concerned, to reduce tax evasion more effectively. The 
Government's budget programme continues to focus on reducing arrears and restricting resort to 
bank and market financing.  
1.15.   The external current account remains in deficit, reflecting the balance of goods and services 
trade (Table 1.2). The deficit widened significantly in 2010 (11% of GDP), owing to a sharp drop in 
gold exports and a rise in the value of hydrocarbon imports. Nonetheless, it narrowed to 5.1% of 
GDP in 2011, after which the stalling of economic activities following the March  2012 coup reduced 
                                                
5 Online information  viewed at: http://www.africaneconomicoutlook.org/fr/notes -pays/mali . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  it to 2.2%. Since 2013, however, the current account deficit has widened steadily in line with the 
pace of economic recovery and official develop ment assistance. In 2014 and 2015, th e deficit 
attained levels of 4.7% and 5.3% of GDP respectively, following the fall in gold prices and the 
growth of imports drawn in by the economic recovery. In 2016, however, it improved significantly 
as exports rebounded and the value of imports dropped  in the wake of falling oil prices.  
Table 1.2 Balance of payments, 2009 -2016  
(€ million)  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Current account 
balance  -471.4  -898.5  -472.1  -212.4  -282.2  -509.3  -628.8  -341.6  
Goods and services 
(net) -492.3  -988.0  -755.5  -472.9  -1,489.3  -1,679.1  -1,836.9  -1,545.2  
 Goods (net)  -151.2  -501.9  -239.5  86.9  -187.1  -383.1  -428.8  -61.1  
 Exports f.o.b.  1,275.7  1,549.8  1,719.2  2,335.8  2,164.0  2,095.0  2,449.5  2,858.6  
 Imports f.o.b.  1,426.9  2,051.7  1,958.5  2,248.9  2,351.2  2,478.1  2,878.4  2,919.7  
 Services (net)  -341.0  -486.2  -516.0  -559.8  -1,302.2  -1,296.0  -1,408.1  -1,484.2  
 Credit  256.1  289.7  295.6  268.5  322.7  343.9  390.3  374.0  
 Transport  14.1  5.5  7.3  2.0  1.1  2.9  12.7  n.a. 
 Travel  138.0  154.6  151.4  110.4  134.5  159.8  167.6  163.7  
 Debit 597.1  775.8  811.6  828.3  1,625.0  1,639.9  1,798.4  1,858.0  
 Transport  331.1  467.3  511.0  523.5  552.8  528.8  599.2  n.a. 
 Travel  73.1  83.7  85.7  79.4  88.7  108.5  135.1  n.a. 
Primary income  -329.3  -316.3  -332.2  -358.0  -325.8  -289.7  -266.5  -378.2  
 Interest on debt  -18.9  -19.8  -26.1  -27.3  -28.1  -26.2  -35.5  -39.9  
Secondary income  350.2  405.8  615.6  618.6  1,532.9  1,459.2  1,474.6  1,581.8  
 Public 
 administration  125.5  149.6  123.5  44.2  953.4  868.7  827.6  947.6  
 Other sectors  224.6  256.3  492.0  574.4  579.5  590.6  647.0  634.2  
 Migrant 
 remittances  305.1  330.4  326.5  560.1  645.5  578.7  614.5  612.7  
Capital account  296.4  190.1  281.0  81.4  197.1  173.9  308.6  195.4  
Financial account  -612.7  -648.1  -161.6  -148.5  -210.2  -170.7  -246.9  327.9  
 Direct investment  -539.4  -300.9  -397.0  -297.3  -229.7  -108.1  -174.1  -183.2  
 Portfolio 
 investment  -44.5  -29.0  -28.1  -7.9  -0.8  -135.5  -97.1  -132.0  
 Other 
investment  -28.7  -318.2  263.4  156.7  20.3  72.9  24.3  643.2  
Errors and 
omissions (net)  -53.4  29.0  -38.4  -16.0  -27.4  -38.0  -58.7  0.0  
Overall balance  384.2  -31.3  -68.0  1.7  97.7  -202.8  -132.0  -474.1  
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Central Bank of West African States.  
1.16.   The foreign debt stock grew steadily during the review period, from US$2.2  billion in 2009 
to US$3.6  billion in 2015 (about 25% of GDP). Nonetheless, the most recent debt sustainability 
analysis conducted by IMF staff indicates a moderate risk of over -indebtedness for Mali.6 
1.17.   Mali's economic prospects seem bright. Growth is expected to come in at 5.0% in 2017, 
thanks part ly to higher levels of public investment and increased donor support7, and ought to be 
driven mainly by the agricultural and tertiary sectors. Inflation will be below the BCEAO target in 
2017, assuming abundant rainfall. The current account deficit (includ ing grants) is expected to 
deteriorate to 5.2% in 2017, mainly due to lower gold production. These good prospects, however, 
could be compromised by insufficient rainfall, falling gold prices and the fragile security situation 
prevailing in the country.  
                                                
6 Online information  viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/cat/longres.aspx?sk=44445.0 . 
7 Online information  viewed at: http://www.imf.org/external/french/pubs/ft/scr/2016/cr1 606f.pdf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  1.3  Trade performance  
1.18.   The GDP share of goods and services trade fluctuated between 2009 and 2011, before 
embarking on a downward trend, dropping from around 59% in 2012 to 51% in 2015, owing to a 
simultaneous decline in both imports and exports.  
1.19.   Official goods tr ade figures reveal an upward trend in exports in 2010 -2015, followed by a 
slight decline in 2016 (Tables  A1.1 and A1.3). The behaviour of Malian exports is generally driven 
by performance in the mining and cotton sectors, and by the market prices of their products. 
During the review period, exports remained dominated by commodities, particularly gold, followed 
well behind by cotton (Table  A1.1 and Chart 1.1). The increase in gold exports reflects higher 
production levels in several existing mines, as well a s new mining projects coming on stream.  
1.20.   After a slight decline between 2010 and 2011, merchandise imports also grew steadily from 
2011 to 2015 before slipping back slightly in the following year (Tables  A1.2 and A1.4). Malian 
imports are much more diversif ied and consist mainly of food products (rice and sugar in 
particular), fuels, manufactured goods, machinery and transport equipment, and chemicals 
(Table  A1.2 and Chart  1.1). In general, Mali imports most of its food products and capital goods.  
1.21.   The distri bution of Mali's export markets has not changed significantly since the last review. 
South Africa, which absorbs the bulk of Malian gold, remains the main destination. From 2010 to 
2014, it received over half of Mali's exports, before dropping below that l evel in the case of goods. 
Exports to China also declined relatively in 2015 and 2016. The European Union is the second most 
important destination for Malian exports, followed by Switzerland, whose share of demand 
increased significantly in 2015 and 2016. Other destinations remain broadly unchanged, with 
Senegal, Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso in the lead (Table A1.3 and Chart 1.2). On the import 
side, the European Union, particularly France, remains the main source of imports, followed by 
Senegal, China an d Côte d'Ivoire (Table A1.4 and Chart 1.2).  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Chart 1.1 Structure merchandise trade by HS section and chapter, 2010 and 2016  
 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data provided by the Malian authoritie s. 
2010 2016
Exports 
Cotton
8.5%
Total: €1,508.0 million Total: €2,717.3 million
Imports 
Chemicals
15.0%Machinery, electrical 
equipment
18.5%
Base metals and 
articles of base metal
8.2%
Vegetable 
products
3.9%Plastics/Rubber
3.8%Machinery, electrical 
equipment
15.0%
Total: €2,586.7 million Total: €3,476.1 millionChemicals
3.7%
Transport 
equipment 
9.1%
Other
11.0%Non-monetary gold
79.1%
Other
6.9%
Live animals 
7.6%Other
6.9%
Chemicals
1.9%
Vegetable 
products
6.7%Plastics/Rubber
5.0%Other
11.0%
Mineral products
28.1%Transport equipment 
7.3%Base metals and
articles of base metal
6.1%Live animals 
3.5%Non-monetary gold
72.9%
Cotton
8.8%
Food products, beverages 
and tobacco 
5.7%Chemicals
13.6%
Mineral products
25.5%Food products, 
beverages and 
tobacco 
6.7%WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Chart 1.2 Direction of merchandise trade, 2010 and 2016  
 
Source:  UNSD Comtrade database (SITC Rev.3).  
1.22.   Mali is a net importer of services and its deficit has almost quadrupled since 2009 
(Table  1.2). The bulk of services imports relate to freight and insurance, although engineering 
services for large -scale works by mining companies are also significant. The main income from 
services trade comes from tourism activities.  
1.4  Foreign direct investment  
1.23.   Foreign inv estment (FDI) is largely targeted towards infrastructure building, mining and 
telecommunications. The privatization of SOTELMA also attracted an FDI inflow in 2009.  
2010 2016
Exports 
Other WAEMU
4.7%
Total: €1,508.0 million Total: €2,717.3 million
Imports 
Côte d'Ivoire
6.7%Asia
19.2%
Africa
40.6%China
12.3%Other Africa
3.5%Other Africa
6.1%
United States
5.8%
Senegal
19.4%Other WAEMU
3.7%
Asia
24.3%
Total: €2,586.7 million Total: €3,476.1 millionAfrica
58.9%
South Africa
7.9%South Africa 
57.1%
Other Asia
5.5%
Other
4.9%Asia 7.0%
Other 9.1%Other Africa
1.3%
Other Asia
6.9%
United 
States
2.6%Other WAEMU
1.8%
EU-28
23.7%EU-28
26.9%South Africa
3.2%United Arab 
Emirates
7.4%
Benin
6.7%Asia 11.0%
EU-28
8.9%
France 
8.6%Other
4.5% Africa
42.3%Other 1.3%
United States 
3.2%Africa
67.5%Other Africa
2.0%
France
15.1%Switzerland
19.1%
Netherlands
3.0%Germany
4.4%China
15.6%
Senegal
14.1%EU-28 
2.5%
Côte d'Ivoire
9.8%Côte 
d'Ivoire
5.7%Other WAEMU
3.0%
Other EU
10.7% Other EU
8.8%South Africa
44.5%
India
3.2%Switzerland
12.1%
CIS
2.6%CIS
2.6%Burkina 
Faso
3.7%Senegal
4.4%WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  1.24.   The range of sectors receiving foreign investment has nonetheless diversified in recent 
years, as FDI has targeted banking activities; buildings and public works; and trade. In contrast, 
sectors such as manufacturing and agriculture seem to be unattractive.  
1.25.   The socio -political crises halted the upward trend in foreign investment seen between 200 9 
and 2011, and inflows collapsed from US$556.1  million in 2011 to US$152.9  million in 2015 
(Table  1.3). 
Table 1.3 Foreign direct investment, 2009 -2016  
(US$ million)  
 2009  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Inward flow  748.3  405.9  556.1  397.9  307.9  144.0  152.9  n.a. 
Outward flow  -1.0 7.4 4.4 16.0 2.9 0.6 1.4 n.a. 
Inward stock  1,882.8  1,963.6  2,419.1  2,875.3  3,325.2  3,059.1  2,893.3  n.a. 
Outward stock  10.6 17.6 21.1 37.9 42.6 38.1 35.6 n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  Online information from UNCTADSTAT.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  2  TRADE AND INVESTMENT  REGIMES  
2.1  Overview  
2.1.  Mali's general legal and institutional framework has undergone no substantial change since  
the country's preceding trade policy review. The 1992 Constitution explicitly proclaims the 
separation of powers. The President of the Republic as well as parliamentarians are elected by 
direct universal suffrage.  
2.2.  The President of the Republic is elected for a once renewable, five -year term. He appoints the 
other members of the Government. The current President has been in office since 2013.  
2.3.  The National Assembly comprises 147 deputies elected for renewable five -year terms. It 
exercises legislative power a nd oversees the Government's activities. The latest parliamentary 
elections took place in 2013. Laws adopted by the National Assembly are transmitted to the 
President of the Republic, who promulgates them before their publication in the Official Journal. I n 
certain circumstances, the Government may issue ordinances valid for a limited period.  
2.4.  Judicial power is vested in the Supreme Court, which is at the apex of the judicial pyramid, 
and in the appeal courts, the lower courts, commercial courts and justices  of the peace.  
2.5.  International treaties and agreements have force of law once signed and ratified by Mali, 
subject to their implementation by the other parties. They take precedence over national legal 
texts. Domestically, the Constitution remains the highes t legal authority. It comes before laws, 
ordinances, decrees and orders. During the period under review, Mali adopted several laws on 
trade and/or investment (Table 2.1)  
Table 2.1 Texts of domestic trade - and investment -related laws and regulations  
Area  Instrument/text  
Investment  Law No.  2012-016 of 27  February  2012 on the Investment Code of Mali  
Internal taxes  Law No.  2011-078 of 23  December  2011 adopting the State budget for 
financial year 2012  
Internal taxes  Decree No.  2015-0548-P-RM of 6  August  2015 setting the rates for the 
special tax on certain products  
Export promotion  Law No.  2011-032 of 24  June 2011 establishing the Mali Export 
Promotion Agency (APEX -Mali) 
Competition policy  Law No.  2016-006 of 24 February  2016 on the organization of 
competition  
Consumer protection  Law No.  2015-036 of 16  July 2015 on consumer protection and the 
relevant Decree No.  2016-0482-P-RM of 7  July 2016 
Government procurement  Decree No.  2015-0604/P -RM of 25 September  2015 establishing the 
Code of Government Procurement and Public Service Concessions, and 
the relevant Order No.  2015-3721/MEF -SG of 22 October 2015  
Agricultural policy  Decree No.  10-574-/P-RM of 26  October  2010 
Mining and energy  Law No.  2012-015 of 27  February  2012 on the Mining Code  
Mining and energy  Law No.  2015-035 of 16  July 2015 on the organization of hydrocarbon 
prospecting, exploitation and transport  
Mining and energy  Decree No.  2014-0866/P -RM of 26  November  2014 
Telecommunications  Decree No. 2011 -373/P -RM of 17  June 2011 on the procedure for 
granting the third licence for the establishment and operation of 
telecommunication networks and services  
Source: WTO Secretariat.  
2.2  Trade policy formulation and objectives  
2.6.  The main function of the Ministry responsible for trade is to formulate, evaluate and 
implement trade policy, including the trade -related aspects of bilateral, plurilateral and multilateral 
trade agreements. Within the Ministry, the Directorate -General res ponsible for trade draws up 
national regulations on trade, competition and consumer protection.1 It also acts as the secretariat 
of the National Trade Negotiations Commission (CNNC).  
                                                
1 Ordinance No.  2017-013/PRM of 6  March  2017.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  2.7.  Other ministries are also involved in trade policy formulation and implementation. The 
Ministry responsible for the economy plays an important role in trade policy matters through the 
Directorate -General of Customs, which is under its authority. The Minister in charge of foreign 
affairs is responsible for Mali's participa tion in the African Union and cooperation between the ACP 
countries and the EU. Several ministries that handle sectoral matters are also involved in the 
design and implementation of Mali's trade policy.  
2.8.  Private -sector organizations are generally consulted,  on an ad hoc basis, on trade policy 
formulation, implementation and follow -up. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Mali 
(CCIM), supervised by the Ministry responsible for trade, may propose to the Government any 
measure conducive to the development of  commercial, industrial or services activities and may 
express its opinion on relevant issues.2 Since 2004, the CCIM has been home to the Arbitration 
and Conciliation Centre, whose task is to rule on disputes relating to trade, industry or the 
provision of  services.  
2.9.  The overall aim of Mali's trade policy is to create an enabling environment for trade 
development, especially for exports, and investment, so as to enable the country to attain its 
economic growth and poverty reduction targets, as set out in the  third generation of the Growth 
and Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper 2012 -2017 (GPRSP III), and recently in the Strategic 
Framework for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Development (CREDD). According to the 
authorities, a trade development policy paper is  under preparation. Mali participates in the 
Enhanced Integrated Framework for technical assistance to LDCs.  
2.10.   Regional economic integration within WAEMU and ECOWAS is still an important component 
of Mali's trade policy (common report, section 2).  
2.11.   Mali has c onsiderable export development potential, especially in the following sectors: 
cotton and textiles, citrus and other fruit, and commercial crafts. Tourism also offers major 
opportunities for trade in services.  
2.3  Trade agreements and arrangements  
2.3.1   WTO  
2.12.   Mali has  been a WTO Member since 31  May 1995. It is recognized as a "least developed 
country" (LDC). It is not a member of any WTO plurilateral agreement. The concessions made by 
Mali during the Uruguay Round are contained in Schedule XCIV as regards goods and in document 
GATS/SC/53 as regards services.  
2.13.   Mali has made very few notifications to the WTO since 2010 (Table 2.2). The CNNC is 
chaired by the Ministry responsible for trade, and its main task is to validate notifications, take 
steps to bring Mali's regulatio ns into conformity with WTO obligations, follow up the 
implementation of WTO Members' commitments in regard to Mali, examine the impact of WTO 
provisions on Mali's economy and identify what assistance the WTO can provide to Mali.3 It brings 
together the mi nistries involved with trade policy, the CCIM, as well as professional associations or 
trade unions. The Commission comprises five sub -committees dealing with matters relating to 
agriculture, customs and trade facilitation, regional trade agreements, trade  in services and TRIPS. 
Moreover, a monitoring committee for the Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton is specifically 
tasked with following up the cotton issue.  
                                                
2 Article 2 of Law No.  98-014 of 19  January  1998.  
3 Decision No.  10/MICA -SG of 27  March  1998.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table 2.2 Notifications by Mali to the WTO, 2 010-2016  
Requirement  WTO document  Content  
Anti-dumping practices, 
Articles  16.4 and 16.5  G/ADP/N/193/MLI of 17  March  2010 Notification under Articles 16.4 and 
16.5 of the Agreement   
GATT 1994, Article VII – 
Article  22.2 G/VAL/N/1/MLI/1 of 
14 January  2013 Notification under Article 22 of the 
Agreement on Implementation of 
Article VII of the General 
Agreement on Tariffs and 
Trade  1994 
GATT 1994, Article VII, 
Annex  III, para. IV; 
GATT 1994, Article XXVIII:5  G/MA/314 of 16  December  2014 Invocation of paragraph 5 of 
Article  XXVIII  
GATT 1994, Article XVII:4(a)  G/STR/N/1/MLI, G/STR/N/4/MLI, 
G/STR/N/7/MLI, G/STR/N/10/MLI, 
G/STR/N/11/MLI, G/STR/N/12/MLI 
of 4 March  2013;  
G/STR/N/13/MLI, G/STR/N/14/MLI 
of 5 March  2013;  
G/STR/N/15/MLI of 
31 January  2014;  
G/STR/N/16/MLI of 
15 November  2016 New and full notification pursuant 
to Article XVII:4(a) of the 
GATT  1994 and paragraph 1 of the 
Understanding on the Interpretation 
of Article XVII  
GATT 1994, Article XVII:4(a)  G/STR/N/2/MLI, G/STR/N/3/MLI, 
G/STR/N/5/MLI, G/STR/N/6/MLI, 
G/STR/N/8/MLI, G/STR/N/9/MLI of 
5 March  2013 
 Updating notification pursuant to 
Article XVII:4(a) of the GATT 1994 
and paragraph 1 of the 
Understanding on the interpretation 
of Article XVII  
PSI Article 5  G/PSI/N/1/Rev.1 of 
11 October  2012 Notification under Article 5 of the 
Agreement on Preshipment 
Inspection  
Revision  
LIC Article 7.3  G/LIC/N/3/MLI/3 of 
28 September  2012;  
G/LIC/N/3/MLI/4 13  August  2013;  
G/LIC/N/3/MLI/5 of 10  April 2014;  
G/LIC/N/3/MLI/6 of 
23 September  2014;  
G/LIC/N/3/MLI/7 of 10 March  2016;  
G/LIC/N/3/MLI/8 of 
29 November  2016 Notification under Article 7.3 of the 
Agreement on Import Licensing 
Procedures  
Agriculture, Article 18:2, DS:1  G/AG/N/MLI/2 of 15  May 2013 
G/AG/N/MLI/5 of 17  June 2014 
G/AG/N/MLI/7 of 1  March  2016 
G/AG/N/MLI/8 of 10  February  2017 Notification on domestic support  
Agriculture, Articles 10 and 
18:2, ES:1  G/AG/N/MLI/1 of 
14 December  2012 
G/AG/N/MLI/3 of 16  August  2013 
G/AG/N/MLI/4 of 10  April 2014 
G/AG/N/MLI/6 of 1  March  2016 
G/AG/N/MLI/9 of 13 February  2017 Notification on export subsidies  
TBT Article 2.9  G/TBT/N/MLI/1 of 20  March  2013 
G/TBT/N/MLI/2 of 6  August  2013 Notification under Article 2.9.2  
RO Article 5 and 4 A.II  G/RO/N/89 of 18  March  2013 Notification under paragraph 4 of 
Annex II  to the Agreement on Rules 
of Origin  
G/RO/N/146 of 12  September  2016 Notification under Article 5 and 
paragraph 4 of Annex II of the 
Agreement on Rules of Origin  
RO Article 5.1  G/RO/N/116 of 11  July 2014 Notification under Article 5 of the 
Agreement on Rules of Origin  
QR (G/L/59)  G/MA/QR/N/MLI/1 of 15  May 2013 Notification pursuant to the 
Decision on Notification Procedures 
for Quantitative Restrictions  
SG Article 12.6  G/SG/N/1/MLI/1 of 8  February  2013 Notification of laws, regulations and 
administrative procedures relating 
to safeguard measures  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Requirement  WTO document  Content  
SCM Article 25.1, Article XVI:4  G/SCM/N/220/MLI of 
8 February  2013;  
G/SCM/N/253/MLI of 
13 August  2013 New and full notification pursuant 
to Article XVI:4 of the GATT 1994 
and Article 25 of the Agreement on 
Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures  
SCM Article 25.12  G/SCM/N/202/MLI of 
20 March  2015 Notification under Articles 25.11 
and 25.12 of the Agreement on 
Subsidies and Countervailing 
Measures  
SCM Article 32.6  G/SCM/N/1/MLI/1 of 
11 February  2013 Notification of laws and regulations 
under Article 32.6 of the Agreement  
SPS Article 7, Annex B  G/SPS/N/MLI/1 of 8  August  2013 
G/SPS/N/MLI/2 of 8  August  2013 
G/SPS/N/MLI/4 of 8  August  2013 The notified text establishes 
marketing authorization for 
foodstuffs, animal feed and food 
additives.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/3 of 8  August  2013 The notified text determines the 
nature of foods not subject to 
marketing authorization.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/5 of 8  August  2013 The notified law establishes the 
production, processing and 
marketing requirements for milk 
and dairy products.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/6 of 8  August  2013 The notified decree establishes 
rules for implementing the 
production, processing and 
marketing requirements for milk 
and dairy products.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/7 of 8 August  2013 The notified law governs the control 
of foodstuffs of animal origin and 
animal feed.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/8 of 8  August  2013 Rules governing the control of 
foodstuffs of animal origin and 
animal feed.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/9 of 9  August  2013 The notified te xt establishes a 
health inspection levy payable 
throughout the Bamako district.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/10 of 9  August  2013 The notified text bans the slaughter 
of domestic animals and the sale of 
domestic animal meat in places and 
establishments that do not have 
legal authorization  
G/SPS/N/MLI/11 of 9  August  2013  The notified text regulates the 
slaughter and export of certain 
categories of bovine animals.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/12 of 9  August  2013 The notified text bans the 
importation and transit of birds and 
poultry p roducts from countries 
deemed to be infected with avian 
influenza.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/13 of 9  August  2013 Organizational and operating 
procedures for the control and 
packaging of fisheries products in 
the port of Mopti.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/14 of 9  August  2013 The notified text concerns the 
packaging of smoked and dried fish 
for export.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/15 of 9  August  2013 The notified text concerns the use 
of insecticides (bioresmethrin and 
gordona) to treat fish dried and 
smoked in Mali.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/16 of 9 August  2013 The notified text establishes tax 
rates for the packaging of dried and 
smoked fish.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Requirement  WTO document  Content  
G/SPS/N/MLI/17 of 9  August  2013 The notified text establishes safety 
and quality standards for Malian 
fisheries products.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/18 of 9  August  2013 Authorization of the introduction 
and the use of insecticides for the 
treatment of smoked and dried fish.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/19 of 9  August  2013 The notified text establishes the fee 
for issuing phytosanitary certificates 
and import permits for plants, plant 
products and foodstuffs of plant 
origin, and the procedures for 
collecting this fee.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/20 of 9  August  2013 Provisions on penalties for animal 
health code infringements in the 
Republic of Mali.  
G/SPS/N/MLI/21 of 9  August  2013 The notified text establishes rules 
for implementing provisions on 
penalties for animal health code 
infringements in the Republic of 
Mali. 
Source:  WTO documents.  
2.3.2   Regional and preferential agreements  
2.14.   In addition to the WAEMU and ECOWAS trade preferences, Mali is granted pre ferential 
treatment by the EU and the United States (common report, section 2).  
2.4  Investment regime  
2.15.   Since its preceding trade policy review, Mali has kept up its efforts to encourage and 
promote investment. A new Investment Code has been in place since 2012.4 It guarantees 
identical treatment of Malians and foreigners, unless otherwise provided in treaties and 
agreements concluded by Mali. It likewise guarantees the repatriation of earnings of all 
descriptions on invested capital, including dividends and the proceeds of liquidation.  
2.16.   The Code applies to enterprises with a minimum direct value added of 35%. Expressly 
excluded from its scope are trading activities such as resale in the same state of products 
purchased outside the enterprise. The same applies to f inancial and telecommunication services. 
There are also concessions under specific regimes such as those provided under the Petroleum 
Code, the Mining Code and their implementing texts (section 4). Activities eligible under these 
specific Codes are exclude d from the scope of the Investment Code.  
2.17.   The Code provides concessions under preferential regimes, in special economic zones and 
under various regimes for enterprises that make use of local raw materials or technological 
innovation, as well as export enterprises and those established in industrial zones. There are 
four preferential regimes (Categories A, B, C and D), classified according to specific conditions; 
they offer customs and fiscal concessions to domestic and foreign companies. Concessions are  also 
available to enterprises located in special economic zones, in principle established by decree 
(Table  2.2). The Decree on the establishment of special economic zones has not yet been adopted, 
however.  
2.18.   Enterprises making investments of more than CFAF 12.5 million and producing for export 
are eligible for benefits under "Category D" preferential regimes. Under the Code, they enjoy the 
following concessions: 30 years' exemption from all production - and marketing -related taxes, 
duties and charges, with th e exception of VAT; from the motor vehicle tax (sticker); the tax on 
wages and salaries (ITS) including those of expatriates; the flat -rate employer contribution (CFE);  
the housing tax (TL); the youth employment tax (TEJ); the vocational training tax (TFP) ; and 
social security contributions. However, enterprises approved under Category D may sell up to 20% 
                                                
4 Law No.  2012-016 of 27  February  2012.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  of their output on the local market; such sales are liable to the duties and taxes levied on like 
imported products.  
Table 2.3 Preferential regimes under the Investment Code  
Categories  Specific eligibility criteria  Concessions for the creation 
of activities  Concessions in case of 
expansion of activities  
A Investments relating to the 
creation of a new activity or 
the development of an 
existing activity in an 
amount equal to or greater 
than CFAF 12,500,000  and 
less than or equal to 
CFAF 250 million, excluding 
taxes and working capital 
requirements, are approv ed 
under Category A.  - three years' exemption from 
import duties and taxes on 
certain materials, machines, 
tools and their spare parts.  
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and taxes 
at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the capital 
goods ; 
- three years' exemption from 
VAT under the approved 
programme;  
- three years' exemption from 
the industrial and commercial 
profits tax (IBIC) and VAT on 
all technical assistance and 
consultancy services;  
- reduction of the tax rate on 
industrial and com mercial 
profits and of corporation tax 
(IBIC -IS) to 25% for a 
non-renewable seven -year 
period;  
- exemption from the flat -rate 
minimum tax for any 
loss-making financial year for 
the first five years of operation.  - two years' exemption from 
import duties an d taxes on 
materials, machinery, tools 
and their spare parts which 
are not produced or 
manufactured in Mali and are 
intended specifically for the 
approved programme. The 
spare parts are admitted free 
of import duties and taxes at 
a rate of 10% of the purch ase 
value of the capital goods;  
- exemption from VAT 
invoiced by local suppliers of 
goods, services and works 
required for carrying out the 
approved programme;  
- exemption from the IBIC 
and VAT on all technical 
assistance and consultancy 
services.  
B Investments relating to the 
creation of a new activity or 
the development of an 
existing activity in an 
amount greater than 
CFAF 250 million and less 
than CFAF 1  billion, 
excluding taxes and 
working capital 
requirements, are approved 
under Category B.  - three years' exemption from 
import duties and taxes on 
materials, machinery, tools and 
their spare parts, not produced 
or manufactured in Mali and 
intended specifically for the 
approved programme;  
- three years' exemption from 
VAT invoiced by local suppliers  
of goods, services and works 
required for carrying out the 
approved programme;  
- three years' exemption from 
the IBIC and VAT on all 
technical assistance and 
consultancy services;  
- reduction of the tax rate on 
industrial and commercial 
profits and of cor poration tax 
(IBIC -IS) to 25% for a 
renewable ten -year period;  
- exemption from the flat -rate 
minimum tax for any 
loss-making financial year for 
the first eight years of 
operation.  - two years' exemption from 
import duties and taxes on 
certain materials, m achines, 
tools and their spare parts. 
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and 
taxes at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the capital 
goods;  
- two years' exemption from 
VAT invoiced by local 
suppliers of goods, services 
and works require d for 
carrying out the approved 
programme;  
- two years' exemption from 
the IBIC and VAT on all 
technical assistance and 
consultancy services.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Categories  Specific eligibility criteria  Concessions for the creation 
of activities  Concessions in case of 
expansion of activities  
C Investments relating to the 
creation of a new activity or 
the development of an 
existing activity in an 
amount equal to or greater 
than CFAF 1  billion, 
excluding taxes and 
working capital 
requirements.  - three years' exemption from 
import duties and taxes  on 
materials, machinery, tools and 
their spare parts, not produced 
or manufactured in Mali and 
intended specifically for the 
approved programme.  
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and taxes 
at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the cap ital 
goods;  
- three years' exemption from 
VAT invoiced by local suppliers 
of goods, services and works 
required for carrying out the 
approved programme;  
- three years' exemption from 
the IBIC and VAT on all 
technical assistance and 
consultancy services;  
- reduction of the tax rate on 
industrial and commercial 
profits and of corporation tax 
(IBIC -IS) to 25% for a 
renewable 15 -year period;  
- exemption from the flat -rate 
minimum tax for any 
loss-making financial year for 
the first ten years of operation.  - two years' exemption from 
import duties and taxes on 
certain materials, machines, 
tools and their spare parts. 
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and 
taxes at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the capital 
goods;  
- two years' exemption  from 
VAT invoiced by local 
suppliers of goods, services 
and works required for 
carrying out the approved 
programme;  
- two years' exemption from 
the IBIC and VAT on all 
technical assistance and 
consultancy services.  
Special 
economic zones 
regime  Establish ment of the 
corporate headquarters in a 
special economic zone in 
Mali.  - exemption from import duties 
and taxes on certain materials, 
machines, tools and their spare 
parts.  
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and taxes 
at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the capital 
goods;  
- exemption from VAT payable 
on certain materials upon 
entry.  
The spare parts are admitted 
free of import duties and taxes 
at a rate of 10% of the 
purchase value of the capital 
goods.  - exemption from VAT 
invoiced b y local suppliers of 
goods, services and works 
required for carrying out the 
approved programme;  
- three years' exemption from 
the IBIC and VAT on all 
technical assistance and 
consultancy services;  
- exemption from the taxes, 
duties and charges listed 
hereunder:  
 taxes on industrial and 
commercial profits and 
corporation tax;  
 business tax;  
 tax on wages and salaries 
(ITS);  
 flat-rate employer 
contribution (CFE);  
 housing tax (TL);  
 youth employment tax 
(TEJ).  
Source:  Investment Code.  
2.19.   In addition to the concessions available under Categories A, B and C, enterprises using at 
least 60% of local raw materials enjoy a reduction in the rate of the industrial and commercial 
profits tax and corporation tax to 25% for a further three years. Thi s concession is accorded for an WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  additional year to enterprises using technological innovation and those established in industrial 
zones5; and for two years to export enterprises.6 
2.20.   The task of the Mali Investment Promotion Agency (API -MALI) is to encourage more direct 
investment and contribute towards the development and regulation of industrial zones. API -MALI is 
a government body of an administrative nature, supervised by the Ministry of Industry, 
Investment and Trade. API -MALI takes part in forums, trade fairs and seminars in order to 
promote investment opportunities in Mali.  
2.21.   Applications for approval under the Code must be filed with the API -MALI single window for 
business start -ups. The monitoring of projects approved under the Investment Code, the contr ol of 
tax and customs concessions accorded and of investor commitments are entrusted to a 
Commission chaired by: the Directorate responsible for industry, for manufacturing; the National 
Directorate of Tourism and Hospitality, for tourism businesses; and t he National Directorate of 
Trade and Competition, for companies providing services. The Commission also comprises: 
API-MALI, the National Directorate of Taxation, the Directorate -General of Customs, and the 
National Directorate of Sanitation and Pollution and Hazard Control. In conjunction  with the other 
entities involved, API -MALI prepares an annual activity report that takes stock of the 
implementation of the Investment Code. In 2015, API -MALI reported 95 enterprises approved 
under the Investment Code, re presenting projected investments worth over CFAF 134  billion and 
at least 2,949 jobs.7 
                                                
5 Any enterprise that meets  at least one of the following criteria  is deemed to be an enterprise using 
technological innovation: (a) ploughing back at least 5 % of its turnover into research, or conducting in -house 
R&D; (b) presenting an investment programme that aims to exploit the research outcomes of a Malian 
organizat ion or an independent Malian researcher.  
6 Under the Code, an export enterprise is deemed to be any enterprise that exports more than 50 % and 
less than 80 % of its output.  
7 2015 Activity Report, API -MALI.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  3  TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES BY MEASURE  
3.1  Measures directly affecting imports  
3.1.1   Customs procedures, valuation and requirements  
3.1.  Overall, the  registration requirements for acting as an importer did not change during the 
review period and remain governed by Decree No.  00-505/P -RM of 16  October  2000. Any natural 
or legal person wishing to engage in foreign trade must be registered in the Trade Reg ister or the 
Trade s Directory. The necessary formalities are completed at the Investment Promotion Agency 
(API-Mali). An annual business licence fee also has to be paid at the tax office. The rate is 10% 
plus a flat rate which varies depending on turnover,  the activity and the geographical area.  
3.2.  A notice of intent to import has to be submitted to the Directorate -General of Trade and 
Competition (DGCC) for all imports, including those entering under a conditional relief procedure.  
3.3.  Most customs procedures hav e not changed since Mali's previous review. A new Customs 
Code is apparently about to be adopted to replace that in force since 1  January  2002.1 It takes into 
account most of the provisions in WAEMU's Community Code.  
3.4.  Pursuant to the Customs Code, all impor ts of goods must be the subject of a customs 
declaration using a document entitled "single detailed declaration" (DDU); exemption from import 
duties and taxes does not waive this obligation. The DDU may only be submitted by an approved 
customs clearing age nt. The criteria for approval of customs clearing agents have been 
harmonized within WAEMU (common report, section 3). Approval from the Minister responsible for 
the Customs is required in order to act as a customs clearing agent; foreigners may receive 
approval only if there is reciprocal treatment for Malians in their countries of origin.  
3.5.  The DDU has to be accompanied by the following documents: a notice of intent to import and 
an inspection certificate under the import inspection programme; the invoice; a declaration of the 
elements of value; a certificate of origin where applicable; and the other usual documents 
(insurance, quality, tax identification of the importer).  
3.6.  Since 1  August  2015, Mali has been using the ASYCUDA World automated customs system. 
According to the authorities, around 95% of Mali's customs offices have been connected to the 
computer network. For customs clearance of goods, risk analysis is based on a risk management 
system involving three channels: green (good for clearance), yellow ( inspection of documents) and 
red (physical inspection of the goods). Between 2014 and 2016, around 74% of the imports of 
goods analysed were directed to the red channel and 25% to the yellow channel. The large 
percentage of imports subject to physical insp ection would appear to extend the average time 
needed for customs clearance. According to the World Bank's Doing Business 2016 report, an 
average of 77 hours is required to clear goods through customs.2 
3.7.  An accelerated customs clearance procedure called "di rect clearance, with a simplified 
declaration (D24)", is available for some types of goods such as spare parts needed for the rapid 
repair of equipment for industry or building sites; dangerous goods; donations to public services; 
serums and vaccines; as w ell as other pharmaceuticals and perishable goods. Mali does not yet 
have a formal approved economic operator scheme.  
3.8.  Goods may be released only after settlement and payment of all duties and taxes, unless 
there is a clearance credit or a credit for duties  and taxes. In addition, occasional importers have 
to make an advance payment at a rate of 5% of the c.i.f. valu e. 
3.9.  For customs -related disputes concerning tariff classification, the value or the origin of goods, 
the Customs Code provides for the establishm ent of a tariff committee, although it is proving 
                                                
1 Law No.  01-075 of 18  July 2001.  
2 This period inc ludes the time and cost of obtaining, preparing and submitting documents during 
handling in the port or at the border, customs procedures and inspections. Viewed at: 
http://english.doingbusiness.org/data/exploreeconomies/mali#trading -across -borders . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
- 328 - 
 
  difficult to set up. Challenges to decisions by the Customs are therefore handled by the 
Directorate -General of Customs.  
3.10.   On 20  January  2016, Mali ratified the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, but has no t yet 
notified the WTO of the list of its category A measures.  
3.11.   Mali has had a preshipment inspection programme (PVI) since 1989 and it was notified to 
the WTO in 1998.3 It applies to imports whose f.o.b. value is CFAF 3  million or more, unless they 
are spe cifically exempt from inspection as a result of an order.4 The company BIVAC has been 
entrusted with the PVI since January  2007. Inspection involves determining the value of the 
goods, their quality and quantity, as well as their tariff classification. Aft er inspecting the goods, 
BIVAC issues an inspection certificate (or "a notice of refusal to issue a certificate"), which 
importers attach to their customs declaration dossiers. All import transactions, whether or not 
subject to the PVI, must pay the PVI co ntribution, which is 0.75% of the f.o.b. value of the goods 
and is payable by the importer.  
3.12.   In 2013, Mali notified the WTO of its customs valuation system.5 According to this 
notification, the WAEMU regulations on the customs value of goods remain in force  in Mali. These 
regulations reproduce the provisions in the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement (common report, 
section  3). WAEMU also has a community system of reference values with the aim of "combating 
false declarations of value and unfair competition". In  Mali, Order No.  09 1030/MEF.SG of 
5 May 2009 determines the list of products subject to reference values used as the basis for 
settling customs duties and taxes.6 The reference values may be revised twice yearly.  
3.1.2   Rules of origin  
3.13.   In 2016, Mali notified the  WTO that it did not apply non -preferential rules of origin.7 As 
regards preferential rules of origin, it notified that it applied those of WAEMU, which have been 
harmonized with the relevant ECOWAS provisions (common report, section 3).8 
3.14.   The National Appr oval Committee is responsible for handling requests for approval for the 
preferential scheme. If the decision is favourable, approval is given by the national director 
responsible for industry. There is a computerized management system at the Directorate -General 
of Customs which regularly updates the approvals given in member States. Because of the 
complex administrative procedures required in order to obtain a certificate of origin, the import of 
industrial goods of community origin with exemption from cus toms duty remains marginal in Mali.  
3.15.   In 2015, 77 Malian companies and 298 products were approved for the preferential scheme 
for intra -community trade, compared to 49 companies and 207 products in 2009 (common report, 
Table  3.5). 
3.1.3   Customs levies  
3.1.3.1   Overview  
3.16.   Mali has applied the ECOWAS common external tariff (CET) at five rates (zero, 5%, 10%, 
20% and the new 35% band) since 1  January  2015. As a transitional  measure, from 2015 to 2020 
it is also applying the "import adjustment tax" (TAI) on 176 tariff lines at ra tes ranging from 5% to 
15%. These rates should gradually fall during the transition period. Mali does not for the moment 
                                                
3 WTO document G/PSI/N/1/Add.7 of 24  February  1998. The relevant text is Decree No.  89-196/P -RM of 
15 June 1989.  
4 The following are exempt from inspection: g old, precious stones, works of art, ammunition, arms and 
explosives, live animals, fresh produce, wood, scrap metal, plants and flowers, fertilizer, cinematographic films, 
newspapers and periodicals, personal effects and gifts, parcels, commercial samples,  crude petroleum, 
donations, serums and vaccines, vehicles of chapters HS 8702, 8703 and 8704, and imports by government 
departments, diplomatic or consular missions and United Nations agencies for their own use.  
5 WTO document G/VAL/N/1/MLI/1 of 4  March  2013. 
6 Paint for motor vehicles and buildings, plain soap, laundry preparations, mats, sanitary towels, 
make -up remover pads, exercise books, cotton thread, certain cotton fabrics, certain fabrics, household articles 
of aluminium, tiles, motor cycles and b icycles.  
7 WTO document G/RO/N/146 of 12  September  2016.  
8 WTO document G/RO/N/89 of 18  March  2013.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  apply the supplementary protection tax provided in the community provisions as a safeguard 
measure (common report, section 3.1).  
3.17.   Other community duties and taxes are also levied on imports, for example: the statistical 
tax (RS) of 1%; the ECOWAS community levy (PC) of 0.5% on behalf of the community; and the 
community solidarity levy (PCS) of 1% on behalf of WAEMU (common report, section 3.1). 
3.1.3.2   Bindings  
3.18.   Mali's bindings cover 40.6% of its tariff lines (common report, Table 3.9). During the 
Uruguay Round, Mali bound its tariffs on all agricultural products and some non -agricultural 
products at a ceiling of 60%.  
3.19.   For some 621 tariff lines, the applied rates exceed the bound rates.  
3.20.   Mali bound other duties and taxes on products covered by its tariff bindings during the 
Uruguay Round at a rate of 50%.  
3.1.4   Internal taxes  
3.21.   In general, the value -added tax (VAT) regime is aligned on the relevant WAEMU  community 
regulations. This has not changed since the previous review of Mali's trade policy (common report, 
section 3.1.6).  
3.22.   Mali applies VAT at the standard rate of 18% on the sale of most goods and services, 
including those imported. Law No.  2011-078 of  23 December  2011 introduced a reduced rate of 
5% on some products, sales or supply of services that had previously been exempt from VAT, 
including agricultural and computer equipment. The zero rate applies to exports. Exemptions from 
VAT concern in partic ular: deliveries of medicines and pharmaceuticals; unprocessed food products 
and staple goods; banking transactions and insurance and reinsurance services, which are subject 
to another tax rate (section 4.4.4.1). VAT on imports is calculated on the basis o f the c.i.f. price 
plus import duty. The tax base for local products is the selling or assignment price.  
3.23.   Excise duty, called the special tax on certain products (ISCP), is levied on a list of imported 
goods (including those of WAEMU origin) and locally pro duced goods. An ordinance dating from 
2015 determines its rates between 5% and 50%, instead of the 3% to 45% in effect from 2005 
onwards (Table 3.1).9 For local goods, the tax base is the assignment price or the price of 
supplying the service; for imports, it is the c.i.f. value plus import duty (excluding VAT). The rates 
of excise duty on petroleum products range from 5% to 125% of the c.i.f. value.  
Table 3.1 Special tax on certain products (ISCP)  
Product  Rate (%)  
Kola nuts  20 
Non-alcoholic beverages, excluding water  12 
Alcoholic beverages  50 
Tobacco   
Cigarillos, de luxe  cigarettes, category 1 cigarettes, category 2 cigarettes  32 
Category 3 cigarettes  22 
"Homogenized" or "reconstituted" tobacco, other  32 
Arms and ammunition:   
Arms 40 
Ammunition  40 
Biodegradable plastic bags  10 
Mining products:   
Marble, gold ingots  5 
Vehicles:   
Passenger vehicles of 13 HP or more  5 
Source:  Decree No.  2015–0548/P -RM of 6  August  2015.  
                                                
9 Decree No.  2015-0548/P -RM of 6  August  2015.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  3.1.5   Duty and tax concessions  
3.24.   There have been no changes to the duty and tax exemptions and concessions regime since 
the previous review. Mali grants exemption from customs duties and taxes under the suspensive 
customs procedures provided in the Customs Code and under processing proced ures (or  economic 
procedures).  
3.25.   Moreover, exemptions from customs duties and taxes are still given to enterprises approved 
under the Mining Code, the Investment Code, the Petroleum Code and the Law on real estate 
promotion. Mali takes responsibility for imp ort duty and internal taxes on imports for government 
procurement financed from external funds, pursuant to the agreement between the State of Mali 
and the source of the funds.  
3.26.   In January  2010, Mali introduced measures exempting all imports of three  tonnes  of sugar 
from the special import tax (TCI), subject to the purchase of one tonne of sugar from the Malian 
company Sukala.  
3.27.   According to the authorities, the revenue foregone because of duty and tax exemptions 
(except for those levied at the customs cordon)  rose from CFAF  121 billion in 2011 to around 
CFAF 228 billion in 2012.10 In 2015, the total, including customs duty, was CFAF  305 billion.  
3.1.6   Import prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.28.   Mali has regularly notified its import licensing regime to the WTO si nce 2012 and the latest 
notification shows that there was no change during the review period. The regime continues to be 
applied in accordance with the provisions of Decree No.  00-505/P -RM of 16  October  2000 and its 
implementing Order No.  09-788 of 7  April 2009. The notification also shows that Mali does not 
apply a licensing system aimed at managing the qualities and value of products imported. 
Nonetheless, a DDU is required for all imports and, according to the authorities, is only used for 
statistical pu rposes.  
3.29.   Interministerial Order No.  2015-1535/MCI/MEF -SG of 5  June 2015 establishes 
two prohibition regimes – absolute and restrictive prohibition (Table 3.2). Fresh poultry and bovine 
meat may not be imported. The DGCC is the authority responsible for this  regime.  
Table 3.2 Products subject to the absolute or restrictive prohibition regime, 2017  
Product  Document  
Absolute prohibition regime  
Narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances  n/a 
Potassium bromate not intended for laboratory use  n/a 
All food products containing potassium bromate  n/a 
Bovine meat and meat products  n/a 
Meat, blood or bone meal for animal feed  n/a 
Unregistered pesticides  n/a 
Oil and equipment containing polychlorobiphenyls 
(PCBs))  n/a 
Hazardous chemical substances  n/a 
Foreign goods bearing a Malian trademark  n/a 
Food products and medicines for human or veterinary 
use past their use -by date  n/a 
Alcoholic beverages in plastic sachets  n/a 
Restrictive prohibition regime  
Medicines for human use  Authorization from the Ministry of Health  
Medicines for veterinary use  Joint authorization from the Ministries 
responsible for health and livestock  
Live bovine animals, eggs and embryos of bovine 
animals  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
livestock  
                                                
10 This loss of revenue is attributable to the concessions granted under the Investment Code, the Mining 
Code a nd other ad hoc concessions granted under the General Tax Code.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Product  Document  
Potassium bromate for laboratory use  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
health  
Meat other than that of bovine animals and game  Permit or health certificate from the country of 
origin  
Food additives  List drawn up by  the Ministry of Health  
Non-iodized salt not intended for human consumption  Authorization from the Ministry of Trade  
Cigarettes, tobacco and other tobacco products  Authorization from the Ministry of Trade  
Transit of cattle or importation of live animals  other 
than bovine animals  Animal health certificate  
Reproductive semen  Registration in the national official catalogue of 
the importing country and submission of an 
animal health certificate  
Plants  Submission of a phytosanitary permit or 
certificate of origin  
Plant seeds  Permit or certificate of origin  
Motor vehicles with a GVW of 3.5 tonnes or more  Authorization from the Ministry of Transport  
Ozone -depleting substances  List drawn up by the Ministry of the Environment  
Dichlorodiphenyltrichlorethane  (DDT)  Authorization from the Ministry of the 
Environment  
Cyanide  Authorization from the Ministry of Mining or the 
Ministry of Health  
Arms and ammunition  Authorization from the defence services  
Explosives and kits for their use  Authorization from the security services and the 
Ministry of Mining  
HF radio sets  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
VHF radio sets  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
UHF ground -to-air radio sets  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Radio relay stations  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Satellite link equipment  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Electronic and electromagnetic scrambling systems  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Observation drones  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Terrestrial surveillance radar  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Air surveillance radar  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Direction -finding systems  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Systems for searching electromagnetic waves  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Night vision binoculars  Authorization  from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Laser telemeters  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Metal detectors  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Single and double cabin pick -up trucks of 6 CC or more  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Portable magnetic detectors  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Demining kits  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Anti-fragmentation demining suits  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Electric and pyrotechnic detonators  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Detonating cords  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
security  
Slow fuses  Authorization from  the Ministry responsible for 
security  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Product  Document  
Fabrics, clothing and accessories for military use (mesh 
and camouflage)  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Spare parts for military equipment  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
Berets, balaclavas, skullcaps, helmets, caps, kepis and 
other headgear for military use  Authorization from the Ministry responsible for 
defence  
n/a Not applicable.  
Source:  Interministerial Order No.  2015-1535/MCI/MEF -SG of 5  June 2015.  
3.1.7   Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures  
3.30.   According to the authorities, Mali has never taken any contingency measures. Moreover, it 
does not have any national legal framework in this regard. A WAEMU community code has been in 
effect in all the Union's  member countries since 2004 and reproduces all of the provisions in the 
relevant WTO Agreement (common report, section 3.1.9).  
3.1.8   Other measures  
3.31.   Mali applies the trade sanctions adopted within the United Nations framework or by regional 
organizations to whic h it belongs. It does not take part in countertrade and has not signed any 
agreement with governments or foreign companies with a view to influencing the quantity or value 
of goods and services exported to its market.  
3.2  Measures directly affecting exports  
3.2.1   Customs procedures and requirements  
3.32.   The registration formalities required for importing goods for commercial purposes also apply 
to exports (section 3.1.1). All exports must be the subject of a customs declaration.  
3.33.   Mali requires earnings to be repatriated an d converted.  
3.2.2   Export taxes, duties and levies  
3.34.   Stamp duty is levied on intents to export cotton and gold ingots and is imposed at rates 
which vary according to the applicable bracket.  
3.2.3   Export prohibitions, restrictions and licensing  
3.35.   Interministerial  Order No.  2015-1535/MCI/MEF -SG of 5  June 2015 determining the list of 
products banned from import also applies to exports. According to the regulations, the absolute 
prohibition regime applies to exports of young male bovine animals less than five years o ld and 
breeding female animals less than ten years old, unless authorized by special agreements between 
Mali and third countries which seek to establish breeding herds. Absolute prohibitions also apply to 
exports of timber, building wood, firewood, bamboo,  raffia in the raw state and charcoal.  
3.36.   The restrictive prohibition regime applies to: (a) exports of meat and live animals (requiring 
a health certificate or animal health certificate issued by the Ministry responsible for livestock); 
(b) game (CITES -compl iant permit or certificate issued by the competent technical services); 
(c) plants (phytosanitary certificate issued by the competent technical services); and (d) works of 
art (authorization from the Ministry responsible for the arts and culture).  
3.2.4   Export s upport and promotion  
3.37.   In 2017, Mali notified the WTO that it did not grant export  subsidies within the meaning of 
Article  XVI:1 of the GATT 1994 or Article  25 of the Agreement on Subsidies and Countervailing WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Measures.11 Under its Investment Code, however, va rious reductions, exemptions or other tax 
concessions are given to certain companies which produce for export (section 2).  
3.38.   In 2011, Mali set up its Export Promotion Agency (APEX). Pursuant to the Law establishing 
APEX12, the Agency's responsibilities includ e organizing promotional activities for Malian goods and 
services; implementing sectoral strategies to promote exports; facilitating expansion of financial 
services for exporters; and providing economic operators with trade information.  
3.39.   The "AGOA Committee " within the Ministry responsible for trade and industry has been 
giving Malian economic actors support since 2016 to develop trade between Mali and the 
United  States under the preferences given by the African Growth and Opportunity Act.  
3.40.   VAT at a zero rate  applies to exports and VAT on inputs may be refunded at the request of 
the economic operators concerned.  
3.3  Measures affecting production and trade  
3.3.1   Incentives  
3.41.   Most of Mali's incentives consist of tax relief to encourage the development of enterprises 
with ec onomic and social potential and those that are essentially export -oriented (sections 2.4, 
3.1.5 and 3.2.4).  
3.42.   In addition, there are programmes to subsidize the purchase of inputs so as to support 
cereal production, particularly rice.  
3.3.2   Standards, technical re gulations and other requirements  
3.43.   There have been some important changes to Mali's institutional framework for 
standardization since the previous review. The Malian Standardization and Quality Promotion 
Agency (AMANORM) was established in 2012 within the Mi nistry responsible for industry, with the 
main task of ensuring implementation of domestic standardization and quality promotion policy. It 
is the national enquiry point for the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) and, as 
such, is responsibl e for providing information on standards and technical regulations.  
3.44.   In 2015, Mali adopted its national quality promotion policy in order to make its production 
sector competitive by reinforcing its development infrastructure and controlling quality standar ds, 
as well as by adopting good practices with regard to the relevant international requirements. This 
policy constitutes the national component for WAEMU's "quality" programme (common report, 
section 3.3.2).  
3.45.   Law No.  92-013/AN -RM of 17  September  1992 and i ts implementing Decree 
No. 92-235/P -RM of 1  December  1992 still govern the standardization system. Mali has accepted 
the WTO Code of good practice for the preparation, adoption and application of standards. A 
proposal for a standard may be made by governme nt authorities, consumers' associations, or 
economic operators (producers). Within AMANOR, the National Standardization and Quality Control 
Council (CNNCQ) coordinates all activities relating to the adoption of standards/technical 
regulations. It adopts dr aft national standards after ascertaining that the procedures laid down for 
their preparation have been observed and that all parties concerned have had an opportunity to 
express their views. Twelve technical standardization committees are responsible for preparing and 
revising national standards in the following areas: cereals and cereal preparations; fruit, 
vegetables and oilseeds; textiles, hides and skins; chemicals and the environment; civil 
engineering and building materials; foodstuffs of animal orig in; electrotechnical industry; 
transport; biofuels; national education; hotels and restaurants, tourism; and health and public 
hygiene. Draft standards prepared by the technical committees have to undergo a public 
consultation stage lasting at least three months in order to receive comments from all 
stakeholders. At this stage, draft standards are published in the most widely circulated newspapers 
in Mali and on the websites of AMANORM and the Ministry responsible for industry . Once the 
                                                
11 WTO document G/SCM/N/315/MLI of 10  February  2017.  
12 Law No.  2011-032 of 24  June 2011.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  comments received as  a result of the public consultation have been received, the draft standard is 
sent to the CNNCQ for adoption. In the final stage of the adoption procedure, an order from the 
Minister responsible for industry publishes the standard in the Official Journal.  For technical 
regulations, an interministerial order has to be adopted to make its application mandatory.  
3.46.   According to the authorities, by 2016 AMANORM had drawn up 391 national standards in 
conformity with the relevant international standards in the foll owing areas: cereals and cereal 
preparations; fruit, vegetables and oilseed s; textiles, hides and skins; chemicals and the 
environment; civil engineering and building materials; foodstuffs of animal origin; electrotechnical 
industry; transport; biofuels; a nd hotels and restaurants and tourism.13 
3.47.   The technical regulations in effect cover, inter alia , iodized salt (Interministerial Order 
No. 99-1622/MSPAS/MICA/MF -SG of 12  May 1999), wastewater discharge (Interministerial Order 
No. 09-0767/MEA -MEIC-MEME -SG of 6  April 2009), and edible oils (Interministerial Order 
No. 2017-0010/MDI -MEF-MSHP -MC/SG of 12  January  2017).  
3.48.   For conformity assessment and certification of the standards applicable, Mali has AMANORM 
as its national body for certifying the "MN" trademark, as  well as several laboratories, of which 
only the National Health Laboratory (LNS) was accredited by the TUNAC in June  2013 in respect of 
food microbiology.  
3.49.   Capacity in terms of metrology remains limited. In 2017, Mali set up the Malian Metrology 
Institute (AMAM) to implement domestic policy on metrology.14 AMAM is a government institution 
of an administrative nature with its own legal status and independent management. The following 
are among its tasks: to participate in preparing metrology standards, to man age the National 
Metrology Laboratory, to give its opinion on metrology matters and to ensure metrological 
surveillance.  
3.50.   Mali has not yet signed any mutual recognition agreement with its trading partners.  
3.3.3   Sanitary and phytosanitary requirements  
3.51.   There has b een no change to the general framework for sanitary and phytosanitary 
regulation in Mali since the previous review. In 2009, following the threat of an avian flu epidemic, 
Mali banned the importation and transit of birds and poultry products from countries  infected by 
the disease.15 A ban on fresh bovine meat was imposed in 2000 and has not yet been lifted.16 
3.52.   The National Food Safety Agency (ANSSA ), a government institution of a scientific and 
technological nature established in 2003, has the task of guaranteeing the health safety of food, 
inter alia , by coordinating all action relating to the health safety of foodstuffs and animal feed; 
providing technical and scientific support to national food inspection structures; and assessing the 
possible health risks of certain foods intended for human or animal consumption. It also provides 
technical and scientific support to epidemiological surveillance an d food hygiene monitoring 
structures. ANSSA acts as the Secretariat for the National Codex Committee (CNC).  
3.53.   The marketing of foodstuffs, animal feed and food additives, whether imported or locally 
produced, requires a marketing authorization.17 The National  Marketing Authorization Commission 
(CNAMM) has been operating for this purpose since 2006, under the aegis of the Minister 
responsible for health. It is in charge of examining reports by experts, notably microbiologists, 
analysts, toxicologists and biolog ists, and giving the Minister a written  and reasoned opinion on the 
granting, refusal or suspension of marketing authorizations. Applications for marketing 
authorizations must include: a stamped, handwritten application; a report on the analysis carried 
out by an approved laboratory; a receipt for payment of a fee to the CNAMM, whose rate and 
                                                
13 These standards are listed on the following website: www.a manormmali.net . 
14 Ordinance No.  2017-014/PRM of 6  March  2017.  
15 Interministerial Order No.  09/MIIC -MEF-MEP-MSIPC banning the import and transit of birds and 
poultry products.  
16 Interministerial Order No.  003445/MDR -MICT-MEF of 21  December  2000 banning the import of bovine 
meat and meat products, meat, blood or bone meal, live bovine animals, eggs and embryos of bovine animals.  
17 Decree No.  06-259/P -RM of 23  June 2006.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  collection methods are determined in an order from the Minister responsible for health; and an 
inspection certificate from the agency in charge of monitoring imports.  
3.54.   The National Food Safety Council (CNSSA), set up in March  2004, is tasked with managing 
major food -related risks.  
3.55.   The National Directorate of Veterinary Services (DNSV) is responsible for applying measures 
to protect animal health and the safety of foodstu ffs of animal origin and animal feed. Law No.  028 
of 14 June 2011 and its implementing Decree No.  440-P-RM of 14  June 2011 determine the criteria 
for control of foodstuffs of animal origin and animal feed in Mali. Import or transit of animals 
(domesticated  or wild) and animal products requires the submission of a health certificate issued 
by the country of origin. In addition, any import of animals or animal products is in principle 
subject to inspection by the veterinary services. The same applies to meat for sale and hygiene 
conditions in abattoirs. The veterinary services are apparently drawing up a schedule of inspection 
fees. Animals without a certificate are placed in quarantine, which ranges from 15 to 45 days and 
is at the expense of the owner.  
3.56.   The National Directorate of Agriculture (DNA) is in charge of sanitary inspection of plants 
and plant products and for controlling the quality of inputs. Pursuant to Law No.  02-013 of 
3 June 2002 and its implementing Decree No.  02-305, import or export of plan ts requires the 
submission of a phytosanitary certificate. A permit issued by the DNA is required for the import of 
plant products, together with a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country. These 
documents do not exempt the imports from co nformity control. All products of plant origin for 
export must undergo phytosanitary inspection in order to ensure compliance with the 
phytosanitary regulations of the destination country and to promote the quality of Malian products 
abroad.  
3.57.   Mali has not y et transposed the provisions adopted by WAEMU and ECOWAS with a view to 
guaranteeing the free movement of approved phytopharmaceutical products.  
3.58.   The DNS V is Mali's national enquiry point for the purposes of the WTO SPS Agreement.18 
3.59.   Labelling is compulsory f or all prepackaged foods. The requirements regarding the 
packaging, marking and labelling of foods are generally aligned on the relevant international 
recommendations. For example, the general Codex standard on the labelling of prepackaged foods 
has made i t compulsory to indicate the name of the product, its volume or weight, the name and 
address of the manufacturer, the ingredients, the batch number, conservation and storage 
instructions and, lastly, the use -by date.  
3.60.   Order No.  05 0001/MIC -SG of 6  January  2005 lists the products whose packaging is subject 
to mandatory indications. Some imported products (cigarettes, matches, electric batteries, yarn 
for weaving and fabrics, tomato paste and concentrate, edible oils and insecticides in the form of 
coils and s prays) must specifically mention their destination on the packaging, for example " Vente 
au Mali" ("For sale in Mali"), the country of manufacture, the name of the manufacturer, and the 
identification number of the importer or its address.  
3.3.4   Competition polic y and price controls  
3.61.   Competition is regulated at both the community and national levels. In principle, the 
community competition authorities have competence in the following areas: anti -competitive 
agreements; abuse of a dominant position; State support; a nd practices attributable to member 
States (common report, section 3).  
3.62.   Until 2016, Ordinance No.  07-025/P -RM of 18  July 2007 and its implementing Decree 
No. 08-260/P -RM of 6  May 2008 regulated areas relating to consumer protection, anti -competitive 
and fra udulent practices.  
3.63.   In 2015, however, Mali adopted a Law on consumer protection.19 Its aim is, inter alia , to 
guarantee the protection and defence of consumers' interests in respect of clauses in consumption  
                                                
18 WTO document G/SPS/ENQ/26 of 11  March  2011.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  contracts; provide consumers with appropriate and clear information on the goods and services 
they buy or use; ensure the conformity of goods and services and consumer safety in accordance 
with the required standards; and determine the criteria and procedures for repairing injury or 
prejudice suffered by consumers.  
3.64.   In 2016, a new Law was adopted to reorganize competition in Mali20, and its implementing 
Decree is apparently in process of being adopted. The Directorate -General  of Trade and 
Competition (DGCC) is responsible for implementing the legislation on competition and consumer 
protection. A new law dealing with fraudulent practices is reportedly also being adopted.  
3.65.   Practices which help to improve the production or distribution of products or to promote 
technical or economic progress are not subject to th e prohibitions in the Competition Law.  
3.66.   The National Competition Commission (CNC), attached to the Ministry responsible for trade, 
has the task of advising the Government on all matters relating  to competition.  
3.67.   Mali's price control regime is based on the Co mpetition Law, which provides that the price of 
goods and services is determined by free competition, except in cases where the legislation in 
effect provides otherwise. When special circumstances mean that the selling price of a good 
deemed to be essentia l manifestly bears no relation to its cost price, temporary price -regulation 
measures are adopted by order of the Minister responsible for trade, following consultation with 
other economic agents. Between 2010 and 2016, the Ministry responsible for trade a dopted a 
number of measures to bring down prices or to keep them within a given price range. These 
measures mostly took the form of exemptions and direct consumption subsidies (the Government 
assuming part of the cost, application of a flat rate administra tive customs value lower than the 
actual value, as well as a certain percentage of exemption from customs duty or VAT).  
3.68.   Since 2015, a "monitoring committee", established by Decision No.  31/MCI -SG of 
17 April 2015 to monitor Mali's supply of staple goods, h as been responsible for following 
consumer prices. It regularly monitors consumer prices for staple goods such as cereals (rice, 
millet, sorghum and maize), powdered sugar, wheat flour, edible oil, milk powder, cooking salt, 
tea, smoked fish, meat on the b one and cattle feed. It warns the Minister responsible for trade of 
any abnormal increase in prices and makes recommendations to reverse the trend.  
3.69.   Hydrocarbon prices are subject to indicative ceilings determined monthly by a commission 
composed of represe ntatives of the Government and of petroleum operators and depends on 
global price trends.  
3.70.   The price of water, electricity and telecommunications is regulated; sectoral regulations 
apply to these three subsectors. The Electricity and Water Regulatory Commis sion (CREE) 
approves the rates for electricity and water (section 4). The Malian Regulatory Authority for 
Telecommunications/ICT and Posts  (AMRTP) approves agreements on interconnection of operators 
and retail rates (section 4).  
3.3.5   State trading, State -owned enterprises and privatization  
3.71.   In 2016, Mali notified the WTO that the Malian National Tobacco and Matches Company  
(Société nationale des tabacs et allumettes du Mali  (SONATAM)) had a monopoly on the import of 
cigarettes into the Republic of Mali.21 
3.72.   Moreover , despite privatization, the State has holdings in a number of enterprises active in 
most sectors of the economy (Table 3.3).  
                                                                                                                                                  
19 Law No.  2015-036 of 16  July 2015 on consumer protection and its Decree No.  2016-0482-P-RM of 
7 July 2016.  
20 Law No.  2016-006/ of 24  February  2016 on the organization of competition.  
21 WTO document G/STR/N/16/MLI of 15  November  2016.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table 3.3 State -owned enterprises, 2017  
Entreprise  Main activity  State holding (%)  
Complexe sucrier du Kala supérieur (SUKALA) SA  Sugar  40 
Abattoir frigorifique de Bamako  Abattoir  15 
SEPAV Mali  Poultry products  30 
Office du Niger (ON)  Agri-food business  100 
Office de la Haute Vallée (OHV)  Agri-food business  100 
Société malienne  d'études et de construction de 
matériel agricole (SMECMA)  Agricultural machinery  44.4 
Sociétés de gestion et d'exploitation des mines de 
Morila, et de Loulo  Mining  20 
Sociétés de gestion et d'exploitation des mines de 
Sadoula  Mining  18 
Énergie du Mali  (EDM -SA) Electricity  66 
Compagnie malienne du développement du textile 
(CMDT)  Cotton  99.51  
Usine malienne de produits pharmaceutiques (UMPP)  Pharmaceuticals  100 
Éditions imprimeries du Mali (EDIM)  Publishing, printing  10 
Société nationale des  tabacs et allumettes 
(SONATAM)  Tobacco and matches  38 
Compagnie malienne des textiles (COMATEX)  Textile industry  20 
EMBAL MALI  Plastic bags  20 
Compagnie malienne de navigation (COMANAV)  River transport  100 
Transrail  Rail transport  20 
Aéroports  du Mali  Air transport  100 
Office national des postes  Postal services  100 
SOTELMA  Telecommunications  49 
Banque nationale pour le développement agricole  Banking  36.5 
Banque malienne de la solidarité (BMS)  Banking  7.1 
Pari mutuel urbain  du MALI (PMU -Mali) Organization of betting 
and horse racing   75 
Nouveau complexe sucrier du Kala supérieur  Sugar  40 
SOMAGEP SA  n.a. n.a. 
SOMAPEP SA  n.a. n.a. 
Mali Tracteur SA  Agriculture  49 
Diamond Cement Mali (DCM)  Cement  10 
Industrie navale de construction métallique 
(INACOM)  Metal construction  n.a. 
n.a. Not available.  
Source:  WTO Secretariat, Malian authorities.  
3.3.6   Government procurement  
3.73.   There have been important changes to Mali's regulatory framework for government 
procurement since the previous review. Since 2015, new laws have governed the system for 
awarding government contracts, including those by decentralized authorities.22 The previous 
reforms in 2008 ensured conformity with community regulations (common report, section 3.3.6).  
3.74.   According to the auth orities, the aim of the new Code is to make government procurement 
more efficient by introducing greater transparency into the procedures. The principal changes 
introduce higher thresholds for awarding contracts and approval of the annual government 
procur ement plans by the Minister responsible for finance.  
3.75.   The Code mainly applies to purchases by the State, local authorities, government 
institutions, State agencies whose resources depend on public finance (except for the Ministry of 
Defence) and enterprises  in which the State has a majority holding, when the amount of the 
contract meets or exceeds the threshold determined by law. Government procurement financed by 
external resources is, in principle, also subject to the Code's provisions. The threshold depen ds on 
the beneficiary and the type of contract.  
                                                
22 Decree No.  2015-0604/P -RM of 25  September  2015 and the re levant Order No.  2015-3721/MEF -SG 
of 22 October  2015.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  3.76.   The thresholds are as follows: CFAF  100 million for contracts for works; CFAF  80 million for 
contracts for supplies; and CFAF  70 million for intellectual services. For State -owned companies, 
companies in whic h the State has a majority holding and government institutions of an industrial 
or commercial nature, the threshold is set at CFAF  150 million in the case of contracts for work or 
supplies and CFAF  80 million for intellectual services. Order No.  2015-3721/ MEF-SG of 
22 October  2015 established special procedures for government procurement in amounts below 
the contract thresholds.  
3.77.   Contracts awarded by contracting authorities must already be included in the annual 
forward plans approved by the Minister respons ible for finance. Any splitting of orders, contrary to 
the annual government procurement plan, is deemed to be splitting of expenditure and thus 
constitutes an unlawful practice.  
3.78.   The Code provides that contracts may be awarded either following an invitatio n to tender or 
by direct agreement (negotiated). In principle, contracts are awarded by means of an open 
invitation to tender. They may, however, exceptionally be awarded under the direct agreement or 
negotiated procedure with special authorization from the Directorate -General of Government 
Procurement (DGMP) and for one of the exceptional reasons, which include the expertise of the 
supplier, intellectual property rights issues, or military secrecy.  
3.79.   The contracting authority may, as a matter of exception,  use one of the alternative 
procedures for invitations to tender, under the conditions specified in the legislation. For example, 
the invitation to tender may be open, restricted, involve a competition, be in two stages or 
preceded by a prequalification st age. In addition to those involving a competition, the new Code 
introduces government procurement procedures specific to the services of individual consultants, 
contracts awarded following a spontaneous bid, and also framework agreements.  
3.80.   In order to make a purchase through an invitation to tender, all government institutions 
must compile a file and set up a commission to open and evaluate bids. A priori  control is the 
DGMP's task: it authorizes (after verifying and, where applicable, amending the descripti ve 
documentation) the invitation to tender and gives its opinion on the decision by the commission, in 
which it is not allowed to participate. A representative of the DGMP attends the opening of bids, 
however, as an observer and is the guarantor of governm ent procurement regulations. 
Government procurement financed from external resources is subject to review a priori  by the 
donor or by the DGMP.  
3.81.   Notices of invitations to tender, as well as decisions on awarding government procurement 
contracts (following e ndorsement of the outcome by the DGMP) must be made public in the 
Government Procurement Journal (or in any other national or international publication). The 
contracting authority must inform any unsuccessful bidder in writing of the reasons for refusing t he 
bid. 
3.82.   Pursuant to WAEMU directives, a community preference (not exceeding 15% of the amount 
of the bid) may be given to community companies (from WAEMU); this margin is taken into 
account when comparing the bids.  
3.83.   An open invitation to tender was the meth od used for over 85% of  the value of government 
procurement contracts awarded between 2013 and 2015 (Table 3.4).  
Table 3.4 Statistics on contracts awarded, 2010 -2016  
Year  Procedure followed  
Open 
invitation  to 
tender  Selective 
invitation to 
tender  Direct 
negotiation  Total  
2010 Number of contracts  933 113 156 1,202  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  196,412  37,908  79,663  313,984  
2011 Number of contracts  1,257  212 117 1,586  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  233,613  84 355  100,529  418,497  
2012 Number of contracts  464 50 45 559 
Amount (CFAF  billion)  76,190  10,440  25,306  111,939  
2013 Number of contracts  861 95 72 1,028  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  130,395  7,455  35,514  173,455  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Year  Procedure followed  
Open 
invitation  to 
tender  Selective 
invitation to 
tender  Direct 
negotiation  Total  
2014 Number of contracts  1,212  49 91 1,352  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  225,950  8,305  31,784  266,040  
2015 Number of contracts  1 399  30 100 1,529  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  423, 046  19,570  38,118  480,734  
2016 Number of contracts  1,492  50 85 1,627  
Amount (CFAF  billion)  626, 698  32,524  36,872  696,095  
Source:  Directorate -General of Government Procurement and Public Service Concessions.  
3.84.   The authority regulating government procurement and public service concessions (ARMDS) 
is tasked with a posteriori  control of compliance with the rules on government proc urement. 
Accordingly, it may at any time carry out controls concerning the transparency and regularity of 
the procedures followed when awarding contracts, as well as the conditions under which the 
contract is being fulfilled. It gives an account of the con trols performed in an annual report to the 
President of the Republic.  
3.85.   Government procurement -related disputes may be settled before the contracting authority. 
Any bidder who considers that he has suffered prejudice may submit a complaint within 
five working days of the date of publication of the decision awarding the contract. Appeals against 
the ARMP's decisions may be made before the Dispute Settlement Committee. Decisions by the 
latter may be the subject of an appeal before the administrative section of the Supreme Court.  
3.3.7   Intellectual property rights  
3.86.   The general regime for the protection of inte llectual property rights (IPR) has not changed 
since the previous review. Mali is a member of the African Intellectual Property Organization 
(OAPI) created by the Bangui Agreement. Mali's regulations on IPRs, in particular industrial 
property rights, are t herefore based on the relevant provisions in the Bangui Agreement, which 
was revised in December  2015, although the revision has not yet come into force (common report, 
section 3.3.4).  
3.87.   Mali has also ratified the Berne Convention for the Protection of Liter ary and Artistic Works, 
the WIPO Copyright Treaty (WCT) and the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT). 
Pursuant to the Constitution, these agreements are directly applicable as laws in Mali and 
automatically enforceable (without requiring any dome stic legal instrument for their application). 
On 20  January  2016, Mali ratified the Protocol amending the WTO Agreement on Trade -Related 
Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) to make it easier for poorer Members to access 
affordable medicines.23 
3.88.   The following industrial property titles are currently registered in Mali: patents, utility 
models, trademarks, industrial designs, trade names, and new plant varieties. In 2010, the 
authorities confirmed that a mechanism for registering geographical indica tions was under 
preparation and that Mali was identifying products whose reputation or typical qualities were 
associated with the name of the place where they were harvested or manufactured. The Malian 
Centre for the Promotion of Industrial Property (CEMAP I), within the Ministry responsible for 
industry, acts as the national liaison structure (SNL) with OAPI. Administrative procedures for 
registering industrial property titles start with an application to be filed with CEMAPI. Applications 
to register trade marks are by far the most common industrial  property rights for which registration 
is requested in Mali (Table 3.5).  
                                                
23 Online information viewed at: https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/trips_e/amendment_e.htm . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table 3.5 Filing of industrial property titles with CEMAPI, 2013 -2016  
Applications for industrial property titles  Year 
2013  2014  2015  2016  
Patents  4 1 13 6 
Utility models  0 0 0 0 
Trademarks  51 46 78 98 
Industrial designs  3 9 23 12 
Trade names  13 11 24 24 
Total  71 67 138 140 
Source:  CEMAPI.  
3.89.   As regards copyright and related rights, in  addition to the revised Bangui Agreement 
(1977), Mali has its own domestic legislation. Law No.  08-24/AN -RM of 23  July 2008 determines 
the literary and artistic property regime in Mali. It applies to works whose author or producer is a 
Malian national or whose habitual residence is in Mali, to works published for the first time in Mali, 
to architectural works built in Mali, and to literary or artistic works entitled to protection under an 
international treaty to which Mali is party. The following are deeme d to be works within the 
meaning of the Law: works expressed in writing, including computer programs; lectures, sermons 
and talks; musical, dramatic and choreographic works; audiovisual works; works of fine art and 
architecture; photographic works; works o f three -dimensional art, illustrations, geographical maps, 
plans and drawings, expressions of folklore and printed works of folklore; translations, 
adaptations, arrangements and other transformations of works and expressions of folklore; and 
collections of  works, of expressions of folklore or simple facts or data.  
3.90.   The legislative framework for copyright is complemented by: Decree No.  08-678/P -RM 
determining the criteria and detailed rules for engaging in the production, duplication, distribution 
or import o f audio and video recording media; Decree No.  08/650/P -RM of 27  October  2008 
determining the organization and detailed rules for the functioning of the Malian Copyright Bureau 
(BUMDA); and Order No.  3735/MFC -MSAC  determining the rules for collection and redistribution of 
royalties by BUMDA.  
3.91.   The author of an intellectual work has the exclusive right to exploit his work in any form 
whatsoever and to earn money from it. For copyright, the economic rights in a work ar e protected 
throughout the lifetime of the author and for 70 years after his death; there is no time -limit on 
moral rights. With regard to related rights, the protection given for performances, phonograms 
and videograms is 50 years, and 25 years for broadc asts. 
3.92.   BUMDA is responsible for managing and protecting copyright and related rights. It is 
regularly involved in activities to promote awareness, to monitor markets and to follow up on 
progress in cases before the courts. In 2015, 2,250 works (in all categ ories) had been filed with 
BUMDA.  
3.93.   There have been no changes to the procedures for infringement of copyright since the 
previous review. Legal proceedings may be heard by civil or criminal courts. The authorities 
responsible for enforcing the Law as regards  civil or criminal proceedings are still BUMDA; the 
police force, the gendarmerie, the Customs; and the Directorate -General of Trade and 
Competition. The judicial police force or the president of the ordinary law court applies confiscation 
measures.  
3.94.   Regard ing enforcement of the Law at the border, a right holder who has valid reason to 
suspect that the proposed importation involves counterfeit goods, may send a written request to 
the competent administrative or judicial authorities asking for suspension of  the release of the 
goods by the customs authorities. The customs services may not, however, order destruction of 
the infringing goods.  
3.95.   A copyright infringer may be sentenced to a fine of CFAF  50,000 to CFAF  15,000,000 and a 
prison term of one to five years,  or to only one of these two sanctions. To these must be added 
additional penalties such as: closure of the establishment, confiscation of copies of the counterfeit 
works, confiscation of earnings, and publication of the rulings handed down by the courts.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  3.96.   In 2015, BUMDA confiscated 5,700 counterfeit media, with the aid of the police force. It also 
brought a dozen cases before the courts, leading to some users being condemned to pay copyright 
royalties.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4  TRADE POLICIES BY SE CTOR  
4.1  Agriculture  
4.1.1   Overview  
4.1.  Agriculture, including livestock farming, fisheries, aquaculture and forestry, is of vital 
importance for Mali's economy (section 1.1). Moreover, it provides the means of subsistence for 
some 80% of the working population.  
4.2.  Mali exhibits high mean  temperatures, a short wet season lasting four to five months, and a 
long dry season. There are four main agro -climatic zones: the southern area, which is 
characterized by savannah woodland and forests, with annual rainfall of over 1,200 mm; the 
central ar ea of the country, which displays a fairly dense and varied vegetation cover 
(Sudanian  savannah), with annual rainfall of between 600 and 1,200 mm; the north (much of the 
Inner Niger Delta), where annual rainfall ranges from 200 to 600 mm, with many areas that are 
flooded for part of the year and areas of rainfed agriculture; and the Sahara Desert area, which 
covers the northernmost region of the country, where annual rainfall never reaches 200 mm.  
4.3.  The Niger and Senegal rivers and their tributaries cross Ma li, over a distance of 1,700 km 
from east to west and 900 km, respectively. Non -perennial surface water, estimated at around 
15 billion m3, is used for market gardening and as water supply for the population and especially 
cattle, although the potential it  offers is very much underexploited.  
4.4.  Mali's agriculture remains heavily reliant on rainfall levels. Small family farms predominate, 
accounting for around 68% of the total. They are barely profitable, owing to their small size (less 
than 5  ha on average), a nd because they use rudimentary production methods. Mali's agricultural 
sector also faces several other challenges, including the high cost of access to credit and the poor 
state of the road network, which is essential for transporting products from rural areas. Among the 
leading crops are cotton, cereals (rice, maize, millet and sorghum), sugar, mangoes, shea and 
soya.  
4.5.  Mali's agricultural trade statistics are grossly understated on account of the considerable 
volume of informal transactions, particularly w ith countries of the West African subregion. The 
country is a net importer of agricultural products. It exports primarily cotton, live animals and to a 
lesser extent citrus fruit and oilseeds (Table A1.1). It still imports a lot of staple foods such as 
sugar, rice and milk (Table A1.2).  
4.1.2   Agricultural policy  
4.6.  The Ministry responsible for agriculture is in charge of formulating agriculture and livestock 
development programmes and strategies, in collaboration with farmers' organizations and 
development partners.  Mali is one of the few African countries that have allocated at least 10% of 
their national budgetary resources to agriculture in the last decade, pursuant to the Maputo 
Declaration.  
4.7.  The Agricultural Policy Law (LOA), drawn up in 2006, is the main legisla tive instrument 
governing Mali's agricultural sector. It is aimed at reviving the sector, and informs the Agricultural 
Development Policy (PDA) adopted in 2013. The Higher Council for Agriculture is a cooperation 
mechanism on national agricultural developm ent policies and is tasked with ensuring application of  
the LOA. It comprises representatives of the public and private sectors, local authorities, 
agricultural industry and civil society, working together to formulate and implement agricultural 
policies.  
4.8.  The overarching goal of the PDA is to "help turn Mali into an emerging country where the 
agricultural sector would be one of the drivers of the national economy and the guarantor of food 
sovereignty within a sustainable development approach". This goal tra nslates into the following 
specific objectives: (a)  ensure food security for the population and guarantee food sovereignty for 
the nation; (b)  ensure rational management of natural resources and the environment, taking into 
account climate change; (c)  mode rnize agricultural production systems and improve the 
competitiveness of agricultural subsectors by adding value to agricultural products ; (d) ensure the WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  development of technological innovations through agricultural research and vocational training; 
(e) promote the status of farmers and build the capacities of all stakeholders; (f)  reduce rural 
poverty.1 
4.9.  The PDA relies primarily on the following subsectors: cotton, rice, fruit and vegetables, cattle, 
meat, poultry, fisheries products, oilseeds and dry cerea ls. Its funding comes from three main 
sources: a programming mechanism in the Finance Law; a National Agricultural Support Fund 
(FNAA)2; and support from banks and microfinance institutions. The National Agricultural Sector 
Investment Programme (PNISA) 201 5-2025 provides the framework for programming investment 
under the PDA.  
4.10.   The LOA has moreover underpinned the formulation and adoption of a land policy in Mali3, 
in order to afford greater protection for farms, promote public and private investment, and fos ter 
equitable access to land resources and their sustainable management. It formally recognizes 
customary rights alongside statutory law; and highlights the unsuitability of the mechanisms for 
formalizing rights (title deeds, rural concessions). Consequent ly, a new land law was passed in 
2017.4 According to the authorities, access to agricultural land is open to nationals and foreigners 
alike.  
4.11.   Several initiatives have been put in place to supplement the PDA, such as a national 
irrigation strategy, a seed po licy, a national agricultural mechanization policy, and the 
development of rural tracks.  
4.12.   The average tariff protection of agriculture and fisheries (ISIC Rev.2) stood at 11.9% in 
2016, well down on the 2011 level (13.1%), with rates ranging from 5% to 35% (common report, 
section 3.1). VAT is levied on agricultural equipment at the lower rate of 5%, and on domestic or 
imported agricultural products at 18%, whereas unprocessed food products are exempt.  
4.13.   The import of agricultural products requires a permit iss ued by the competent services of 
the Ministry responsible for agriculture (section 3.3 .2). 
4.1.3   Policy by subsector  
4.1.3.1   Vegetable products  
4.1.3.1.1   Cotton  
4.14.   The cotton subsector, as indeed the agricultural sector as a whole, is dominated by small 
farmers. Cotton is Mali's pri ncipal agricultural subsector. It generates some 15% of export 
earnings and provides a livelihood for over 3  million people. It is also a key component of the local 
industrial fabric, supplying 17 ginning factories, one textile factory and several cotton s eed mills. 
Seed cotton is produced by farmers organized in cooperatives, then sold on to the Mali Textile 
Development Company (CMDT) which turns it into cotton lint. The other by -products are cotton 
seeds, cake and oil. Less than 2% of the cotton is proces sed by the textile factory.  
4.15.   The cotton business also creates knock -on effects on transport, crafts, trade and 
construction.  
4.16.   Cotton output doubled between the 2010 -2011 and 2014 -2015 crop seasons (Table 4.1). 
This significant increase appears to be attribut able to the granting of more fertilizer subsidies and 
higher purchase prices.  
                                                
1 PDA (2013).  
2 Decree No.  10-574/P-RM of 26  October  2010.  
3 Mali agricultural land policy, Ministry of Rural Development, April  2014.  
4 Law No.  2017-001 of 11  April 2017 on agricultural land.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table 4.1 Cotton production, 2010 -2015  
No. Season  Area  Seed cotton 
output  Yield 
(kg/ha)  Ginning 
capacity  
(T) Quantities of 
lint produced 
(T) 
1 2010-2011 285,985  243,589  852 575,000  103,404  
2 2011-2012 477,817  445,314  932 575,000  186,750  
3 2012-2013 521,436  449,656  862 575,000  191,626  
4 2013-2014 480,541  440,027  916 575,000  184,189  
5 2014-2015 539,652  548,696  1,017  575,000  232,722  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.17.   The core strategy for the subsector is set out in the Policy Letter on Development of the 
Cotton Sector (LPDSC). The implementation of the LPDSC has led, inter alia , to: the creation of the 
Cotton Industry Association (IPC -Mali) and its four regional committees; the creation of the Cotton 
Grading Board (OCC); the introduction of a support fund for the subsector; and a mechanism for 
setting cotton prices.  
4.18.   The CMDT is a semi -public company in which th e State owns 99.51% of the capital. It 
enjoys a de facto  monopoly on ginning and marketing of cotton. The CMDT supplies producers with 
agricultural inputs.  
4.19.   Every year, an economic interest group (EIG), comprising the CMDT, the Office de la haute 
vallée du Niger  (OHVN) (Upper Niger Valley Board) and the National Union of Cotton Producers' 
Cooperatives (UNSCPC), takes stock of producers' needs and issues an international call for bids 
for the purchase of inputs, which it sells on to the producers on credit at  cost price. In return, 
producers are tied to selling their harvests back to it at prices that vary depending on the quality 
of the product.  
4.20.   According to the authorities, the plan to privatize the CMDT in 2010, foreseen under the 
LPDSC, is no longer on the  agenda.  
4.21.   Mali is one of the co -sponsors of the WTO Sectoral Initiative in Favour of Cotton, whose 
objective is to eliminate support for producers and export subsidies, which are considered to be 
the underlying reason for the general fall in cotton prices o n global markets.  
4.1.3.1.2   Cereals  
4.22.   Cereals are the Malian population's main staple food. However, production systems are still 
rudimentary and highly susceptible to the vagaries of the climate. In addition, the lack of land 
developed for farming is one of the major  obstacles to further growth in the cereals sector. For 
several years, the authorities have been rolling out support programmes for the main cereal crops, 
in particular rice.  
4.23.   The "Rice Initiative" programme has been in place since 2008. The programme seeks  to 
boost production in areas suitable for cultivation. In this connection, the Government has 
undertaken to provide support in the form of a subsidy for the purchase of fertilizer (CFAF 12,500 
per 50 -kg bag) and seed, as well as advice. According to the a uthorities, development of the 
cereals subsector is being addressed through several other programmes in areas such as: capacity 
building for professionals called upon to provide advice to farmers, implementation of an action 
plan to combat cereal crop pest s, and an agricultural machinery programme (tractors and other 
types of equipment).  
4.24.   The Office du Niger  (ON) (Niger River Board), a Malian State enterprise, continues to 
engage in production, processing and producer support activities, by providing water for farming, 
and ensuring maintenance of infrastructure and land management in the Niger River Delta are a. 
4.25.   Paddy rice is classed as a local product and is therefore exempt from duties and taxes within 
the WAEMU.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.1.3.1.3   Mangoes  
4.26.   Mango output climbed from 48,943 tonnes in 2008 to 66,669 tonnes in 2016. The principal 
mango production basins are the regions of Sikasso a nd the outskirts of Bamako. Mangoes are 
generally produced by smallholders owning small orchards. Nevertheless, large orchards have 
recently emerged in the Sikasso region. Malian mangoes are sold mainly on the domestic market, 
in Africa and in Europe.  
4.27.   Fresh mangoes are exported by private companies. Several of them are certified for private 
quality standards, including "organic" standards. The total volume of fresh mango exports 
increased from some 6,586 tonnes in 2007 to around 23,000 tonnes in 2016. The E nhanced 
Integrated Framework (EIF) programme in Mali continues to support the mango processing sector, 
for the production of jams and dried fruit, which has helped to empower women's cooperatives in 
rural areas and expand the private sector. Processed mang o is primarily intended for export.  
4.1.3.2   Forestry and logging  
4.28.   The logging subsector and forestry contribute only a marginal share of GDP (Table 1.1). Mali 
has about 100  million hectares of forest nationwide. Listed forests, with an area of 
5.2 million  hectares,  represent only 4.2% of the national territory, when the accepted international 
standard is 15%. Forest cover is suffering from the ongoing deterioration of natural resources in 
general and of forestry resources in particular, on account of climate vulnera bility and human 
activity. Law No.  10/028 of 12  July 2010 governs the management of forestry resources in Mali, 
and responsibility for administering the Law lies with the National Directorate of Water Resources 
and Forests. The main restrictions are associ ated with the CITES provisions.  
4.1.3.3   Livestock farming  
4.29.   Livestock farming has accounted for a gradually increasing proportion of GDP, up from 14% 
in 2010 to 16.5% in 2014. It is estimated that 80% of the rural population is engaged in animal 
husbandry, which con stitutes a significant source of subsistence income. With steadily growing 
herd numbers, livestock farming is one of the most important subsectors in Mali's economy. It 
ranks third in terms of exports after cotton and gold.  
Table 4.2 Trend in livestock numbers in Mali, 2007 -2016  
Year Bovine 
animals  Sheep  Goats  Equine 
animals  Asses  Camels  Pigs 
2007 8,141,459  9,761,578  13,593,063  357,414  807,591  852,880  71,875  
2008 8,385,703  10,249,657  14,272,716  393,834  825,277  869,305  72,666  
2009 8,896,392  11,300,247  15,735,670  478,187  861,820  904,425  74,272  
2010 9,163,284  11,865,259  16,522,454  487,751  880,694  922,514  75,015  
2011 9,438,182  12,458,522  17,348,576  497,506  899,981  940,964  75,765  
2021 9,721,328  13,081,448  18,216,005  507,456  919,691  959,783  76,523  
2013 10,012,968  13,735,521  19,126,805  517,605  939,832  978,979  77,288  
2014 10,313,357  14,422,297  20,083,145  527,957  960,414  998,558  78,061  
2015 10,622,620  15,143,415  21,087,150  538,545  979,510  1,008,440  82,425  
2016 10,941,400  15,900,500  22,141,650  549,270  999,200  1,028,700  83,200  
Note:  Poultry stock totalled 37,390,355 in 2016, broken down between traditional poultry breeding 
(34,934,600) and modern poultry breeding (2,455,755).  
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.30.   Exports of livestock products go primarily to markets in the subregion, particularly 
Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Senegal and Algeria. They mainly take the form of live cattle. Meat 
exports remain marginal, owing to a lack of adequate sla ughterhouse and transport infrastructure. 
There is also some degree of exportation of leather and of sheep and goat skins, either raw or 
tanned.  
4.31.   Despite its importance, the livestock subsector is beset by many difficulties which leave it 
very much underexp loited and untapped. It falls far short of domestic demand for dairy products, 
thus forcing Mali to continue importing large quantities every year. Investment in livestock farming 
remains low. Problems of feeding herds, animal health protection and marketi ng and export of 
livestock products are a real challenge. A national livestock development policy has been in place WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  since 2004. Its aim is to develop the subsector with a view to sustainable economic growth and 
poverty reduction, in line with the Poverty R eduction Strategy Paper and the Master Plan for Rural 
Development. Its key strategic targets focus, inter alia , on improving animal feeding and health; 
rational management of resources; enhancing infrastructure for marketing and processing of 
livestock pro ducts; and capacity building for stakeholders.  
4.32.   In 2016, the CET rates applied to products of animal origin ranged between 5% and 35% 
(as against 5% and 20% in 2011), with an average of 24.1% (18.8% in 2011).  
4.1.3.4   Fishing and aquaculture  
4.33.   Fishing contributes arou nd a 3% share of GDP. National output stood at 102,000 tonnes in 
2010, mainly concentrated in the Central Niger Delta. The subsector as a whole provides 
employment for an estimated 500,000 people. The lack of a cold chain considerably constrains the 
capaci ty to capitalize on fisheries resources.  
4.34.   The National Directorate of Fisheries is responsible for formulating the bases for the national 
fisheries policy and for coordinating and following up its implementation. Fishing and fish -farming 
policy is an integr al part of the national economic and social development policy.  
4.35.   The fisheries and aquaculture subsector in Mali is framed by several strategic, legal and 
regulatory instruments. The goal of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Master Plan is to encourage 
sustaina ble, decentralized and participative management of Mali's fish and fishery resources. Law 
No. 2014/062 of 29  December  2014 regulating the management of fishing and fish -farming sets 
the general framework for engaging in fishing activities.  
4.36.   Pursuant to the legislation in force, fishing in State and local authority fish -farming domains 
requires a permit, issued by the Directorate of Fisheries. A special authorization has to be obtained 
to fish in protected areas.  
4.37.   The fisheries subsector faces several constrai nts that are hampering its development: 
fishing outputs are not fully exploited; basic infrastructure and equipment for fisheries (storage 
and packaging) are inadequate; and fishing areas remain isolated. Fish -farming in Mali is still in its 
infancy.  
4.2  Minin g and energy  
4.2.1   Mining products  
4.38.   The mining sector plays a key role in Mali's economy. In 2016, it accounted for more than 
70% of the country's export earnings. Furthermore, it employs some 14% of the labour force.5 
Gold mining (95% of the country's mining out put) is the chief mining activity in Mali, which is the 
third biggest gold producer in Africa, with around 46 tonnes produced in 2016 by ten mining 
companies (Table 4.3). Gold panning reportedly produces three to four tonnes of gold per year. 
However, the artisanal sector's contribution to State revenues is virtually nil on account of the 
informal nature of most small -scale mining activities.  
                                                
5 Online information v iewed at: 
https://eiti.org/sites/default/files/migrated_files/rapport_itie_mali_2013_ -_final.pdf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table 4.3 Raw gold production statistics in tonnes, 2010 -2016  
Company  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
SOMISY SA  2.811 3.219 5.036 5.678 6.432 7.845 7.984 
SEMOS SA  10.381 11.168 9.536 8.111 7.712 6.124 5.867 
MORILA SA  8.954 9.414 7.686 5.553 4.495 4.706 2.341 
YATELA SA  5.022 2.815 2.480 2.408 1.078 0.668 0.463 
SOMIKA  SA 0.491 0.381 0.408 0.429 0.365 0.356 0.394 
SOMILO SA/ 
GOUNTKOTO  11.046 11.665 16.853 20.187 21.192 21.356 23.801 
SEMICO SA  3.328 3.376 4.176 4.578 4.548 5.416 5.656 
WASSOUL'OR SA  0.000 0.000 0.097 0.062 0.000 0.000 0.000 
NAMPALA  0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.029 0.396 
ACCORDS SA  0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.000 0.035 
TOTAL  42.033 42.038 46.272 47.006 45.822 46.500 46.937 
Source:  Information provided by the authorities.  
4.39.   Besides gold, Mali's potential also lies in a number of untapped natural resources such as 
bauxite, iron ore, base metals and phosphate.  
4.40.   Until February  2012, mining research and exploration activities were governed by Ordinance 
No. 99-032/P -RM of 19  August  1999 on the Mining Code, as amended by Ordinance No.  013/P -RM 
of 10  February 2000, and its implementing texts, notably Decrees Nos.  99-25/PM -RM and 
99-255/PM -RM of 15  September  1999. In 2012, by Law No.  2012-015 of 27  February  2012, Mali 
promulgated a new Mining Code. The latter only applies, however, to mining titles granted after 
27 February  2012. For companies holding mining rights valid prior to that date, the provisions of 
the former Code still apply.6 These existing mining companies are nevertheless entitled to opt for 
the regime adopted in the new Code.7 The new Code sti pulates,  inter alia , that mining companies 
are required to draw up an environmental and social management plan, as well as a community 
development plan for the population in mining areas. It further prescribes that 5% of operating 
companies' capital must b e held by Ivorian nationals.  
4.41.   Pursuant to the Constitution, all resources contained in the soil or subsoil in Mali are the 
property of the State. The Mining Code draws a distinction between mines and quarries, and 
provides for five types of mining permit: p rospection authorization (three years, renewable once); 
exploration authorization (three months, renewable once); research permit (three years, 
renewable twice); exploitation permit (30 years, renewable for ten -year periods until the deposits 
are exhausted ); exploitation authorization for small mines (i.e. less than 150 tonnes of mineral ore 
per day in the case of gold), which also covers mechanized gold panning (four years, renewable 
for four -year periods until the deposits are exhausted). Traditional (man ual) artisanal exploitation 
requires an authorization granted by the local authorities.  
4.42.   All applications for an exploitation permit must be accompanied by an environmental impact 
assessment. When an exploitation permit is granted, 10% of the operating comp any's shares are 
automatically handed over to the State (without any consideration); and the State reserves the 
right to raise this figure up to 20% by purchasing shares. The State has exercised this right in full 
for open gold mines, except in the case of  SEMOS SA (18%). There is no State -owned enterprise 
operating directly or indirectly in the mining sector.  
4.43.   For gold mining, the main levies collected by the State are the 3% service provision 
contribution (CPS) on mining companies' turnover or the special tax on certain products (ISCP), 
also at 3%8; the 35% industrial and commercial profits tax (BIC); employers' contributions; and 
the 10% priority dividend tax.9 Mining activities are also subject to various taxes, including: fees 
for the issue or renewal of  mining rights (the amounts of which vary according to the activity and 
the mineral involved); and surface royalties.  
                                                
6 Online information  viewed at: 
https://eiti.org/sites/default/files/migrated_files/rapport_itie_mali_2013_ -_final.pdf . 
7 Online information  viewed at: 
https://eiti.org/sites/de fault/files/migrated_files/rapport_itie_mali_2013_ -_final.pdf . 
8 Most of the mining companies signed their agreements before 1999 and have to pay the CPS. The 
Kalana mine, however, for which the agreement was signed after 1999, is required to pay the ISCP instead of 
the CPS.  
9 Ordinance No.  00-013/P -RM of 10  February  2000.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.44.   Mali endorsed the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) in 2006, and was 
granted EITI compliant status in 2011.  
4.2.2   Hydrocarbon s 
4.45.   Mali is not a producer of petroleum products. However, prospection work has uncovered 
potential reserves. The Oil Exploration Promotion Authority (AUREP) is responsible for regulating 
prospection.  Up to 2015, Law No.  04/037 of 2  August  2004 on the Petrol eum Code regulated the 
conditions governing crude oil exploration and exploitation in the country. Mali then introduced a 
new Law No.  2015-035 of 16  July 2015 on the organization of hydrocarbon prospecting, 
exploitation and transport. Under the new Law, pe troleum rights are governed by 
production -sharing contracts and cover prospecting or exploitation.  
4.46.   Prospection for hydrocarbons is being carried out mainly in the Taoudén it basin and the 
Gao graben, mostly by foreign companies. The Government has signed a number of agreements 
with oil companies. All the oil companies operating in Mali are at the exploration stage, and most 
of them had suspended their activities since the 2012 crisis. Following the decision to cancel the 
agreements with several companies, on ly four contracts remain in force at this time.10 
4.47.   The tax regime applicable to hydrocarbon prospecting, research/exploration, exploitation 
and transport prescribes: a flat -rate fee levied for the issue and renewal of authorizations; an 
annual surface royalt y of between CFAF 500 and CFAF 2,500/km2 during the exploration phase and 
CFAF 1 million/km2 during the exploitation phase; a levy on production, at rates of 0 % to 15% for 
petroleum (sliding scale) and 3 % to 5% for gas (depending on whether the output is sold in Mali 
or exported).  
4.48.   During the research/exploration phase, hardware, tools, materials, fuel and technical 
equipment imported by the company or its subcontractors for its petroleum operations are exempt 
from any duties and taxes, with the exception of the community levy (PC), the community 
solidarity levy (PCS) and the statistical tax (RS). During the exploitation phase, this exemption is 
applicable only to technical hardware, machinery and apparat us, utility vehicles and heavy -duty 
machinery, which come under the temporary admission procedure; all other goods imported by 
the company or by its subcontractors for their petroleum operations are subject to the ordinary 
law regime . 
4.49.   Hydrocarbons accounte d for around 28.7% of imports in 2012 (Table A1.1).  
4.50.   Mali currently imports all the petroleum products needed to cover its requirements. The 
country's storage capacity was 53,853 m3 in 2017. Approved private companies supply the country 
with petroleum produ cts. They are required to obtain an authorization issued by the Ministry 
responsible for trade. Import companies must provide proof of a minimum own storage capacity 
(i.e. on their own premises) of 500 m3 and deposit a security of CFAF 200  million.  
4.51.   A serie s of taxes are levied on the import of petroleum products, including the CET; the 
internal tax on petroleum products (TIPP), at varying rates according to supply channel and 
product; community levies; and VAT.  
4.52.   Fuel prices at the pump are determined accordi ng to fluctuations in supplier prices, by a 
commission composed of the authorities, represented by the National Petroleum Products Board 
(ONAP); oil companies; and consumer representatives. Supplies are routed through the coastal 
countries of the subregion  and Niger. Supply from the furthest ports is taxed at a lower rate as an 
incentive for operators to use them, as part of the policy of diversifying sources to give Mali a 
more secure supply of petroleum products.  
4.53.   The butane gas consumption subsidy, in pla ce since 1998, was reduced in 2012.  
                                                
10 Decree No.  2014-0866/P -RM of 26  November  2014.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.2.3   Electricity  
4.54.   The electricity access rate in Mali is still low. In 2012, it stood at 15% in rural areas and 
62% in urban centres. The Government's efforts in regard to electricity are focused on expanding 
both renewable an d non -renewable sources of energy in order to meet the growing demand for 
electricity nationwide.11 
4.55.   The State -owned enterprise Électricité du Mali  (EDM -SA) provides the public electricity 
service under a concession agreement for the production, transport an d distribution of electricity. 
EDM-SA's monopoly on the wholesale purchase of electric power is due to expire in 2030; its 
current monopoly is confined to distribution within its concession area. However, self -producers, 
once they have catered for their ow n needs, have to sell their surplus to EDM -SA at negotiated 
prices.  
4.56.   The interconnected grid, which belongs to EDM -SA, is powered mainly by hydroelectricity 
generated for the most part by the Manantali dam, which is having production issues (104 MW of 
its 200-MW output belong to Mali), and the Sélingué dam (46 MW). Hydroelectric power accounted 
for 60% of total electricity output in 2012, the remainder coming from diesel or fuel -oil power 
stations. Hydroelectricity's share in the interconnected grid fell to 44% in 2014. In 2013, the 
electricity supplied by EDM -SA comprised 26% purchased thermal energy and 37% purchased 
hydroelectricity.  
4.57.   EDM-SA supplies 22 remote urban centres from independent networks using diesel -powered 
generators, whereas in rural areas th e Malian Agency for the Development of Domestic Energy and 
Rural Electrification (AMADER), thanks to the Rural Electrification Fund, has adopted a 
decentralized approach that authorizes local private energy producers. For their part, industries 
and mines ( self-producers) have an estimated 200 MW of installed power capacity to meet their 
own needs.  
4.58.   Electricity tariffs depend on several parameters, including voltage category, subscribed 
power level and consumption band, to which must be added VAT and maintena nce and rental fees. 
VAT is billed on top at 18%, except on the first 100 kWh of the social tariff. The Electricity and 
Water Regulatory Commission (CREE) is responsible for approving and monitoring electricity 
tariffs. Tariffs are determined according to the formula laid down in the agreement between the 
CREE and EDM -SA. The latter may request a revision of the  tariffs each year, and the request is 
considered by the CREE.  
4.2.4   Water  
4.59.   The National Water Policy, adopted in February  2006, sets forth the approach fo r the sector, 
based on the principles of integrated water resources management (GIRE), and the strategy 
directions on which efforts to develop the water sector will focus. The National Plan for Access to 
Drinking Water 2004 -2015 (PNAEP) had announced a sig nificant investment programme, in both 
rural and urban areas, and envisaged, inter alia , the installation, rehabilitation or upgrading of 
11,000 water points over the period 2004 -2015. According to the authorities, the PNAEP targeted 
a national drinking wa ter access rate of 82%. However, the rate at 31  December  2016 was of the 
order of 66.9% nationwide, 65.3% in rural areas and 70.6% in semi -urban and urban areas.  
4.60.   In practice, two main water management methods co -exist in Mali. In rural areas, 
communes act as the contracting authority for water and sanitation services, but are obliged to 
delegate management to a private operator or an association of users. EDM -SA was responsible 
for water distribution in urban centres until 2011. Since then, this role has be en assigned to 
two State -owned enterprises: the Mali Drinking Water Management Company (SOMAGEP SA), and 
the Mali Drinking Water Resources Company (SOMAPEP SA). Water prices have to be approved by 
the CREE and have not changed since 2004.  
                                                
11 Online information  viewed at: https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/Documents/Generic -
Documents/energies_renouvelables_en_afrique -profil_pays_du_mali.pdf . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.3  Manufacturing sec tor 
4.61.   The share of manufacturing industry in GDP has stood at around 15% on average since 
2010 (Table 1.1). The manufacturing sector comprises small -scale industries, the majority of them 
in agri -food. Other production plants are also in operation in the che mical, metalworking and 
textile industries. In 2015, 298 categories of product manufactured by 77 Malian enterprises were 
admitted under the intra -community preferential trade regime (common report, section 3.1.3). 
The GPRSP III attaches great importance t o the development of manufacturing industries in Mali, 
through the improvement of infrastructure, implementation of reforms, and promotion of an 
enabling environment for business.  
4.62.   In recent years, the Government has put in place a number of strategies to s upport the 
private sector and foster sustainable development of industrial activities. For instance, the 
Industrial Development Policy (PDI)  was adopted in 2010 , with the overall goal of increasing the 
secondary sector's contribution to GDP to 20% in 2012 and 45% in 2015. It aims to enhance the 
economic environment for industrial enterprises, make them more competitive and encourage use 
of the best technologies through measures such as strengthening intellectual property rights. The 
PDI was underpinned, thr ough to 2017, by two three -year operational plans.  
4.63.   Other strategy documents are also in play in the manufacturing sector, in particular a 
national agri -food development strategy, a national IP development strategy and a national quality 
promotion policy (s ection 3.3).  
4.64.   The simple average of applied MFN tariff rates (ECOWAS CET) in the manufacturing sector 
(ISIC definition) is 12.4%. Across all manufactured products, the tariff escalation is mixed 
(common report, Table 3.8), being slightly negative from raw m aterials (10.4%) to semi -finished 
products (10.1%) and positive for finished products (13.9%). This raises the production costs of 
enterprises that use taxed inputs and/or does nothing to encourage them to improve their 
competitiveness.  
4.4  Services  
4.4.1   Transport  
4.65.   Transport services chiefly consist of road, rail, river and air transport, insofar as Mali has no 
access to the sea. Most of its international traffic goes through the ports of Dakar and Abidjan, 
which are, respectively, 1,471 km and 1,225 km from Bamako. Goods transport costs (in relation 
to import value) are prohibitive, at an estimated 24.4% in 2007 and 30% in 2016, and constitute 
a handicap to Mali's economic development.  
4.66.   With this in mind, since 2015 the National Transport and Transport Infrastructure Policy 
(PNTIT) has carried forward the actions and initiatives set out in the Policy Letter on the Transport 
Sector of 5  April 2007. The vision enunciated in the PNTIT is to "turn Mali into a country that is 
durably connected to its neighbours; lift it out  of isolation through appropriate infrastructure and 
efficient, reliable and safe transport services that equip the country with cost -effective supply lines 
in order to meet the population's needs in a manner that is socially, economically and 
environmenta lly sustainable; and, thereby, stimulate development and poverty reduction".  
4.67.   The Ministry of Equipment, Transport and Territorial Integration is responsible for managing 
the sector. In this capacity, its role is to formulate and implement national equipmen t and 
transport policy.  
4.68.   In the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Mali was given MFN 
(GATS  Article  II) exemptions in relation to maritime transport, specifically on granting cabotage 
rights to certain trading partners; trade -sharing under the r esolutions of the Ministerial Conference WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  of West and Central African States12; and cargo -sharing between the State shipping companies at 
both ends of a particular traffic.13 
4.4.1.1   Road transport  
4.69.   Road transport remains the principal means of transporting persons and goods in Mali. The 
country has an 89,024 -km classified road network, of which around 24,000 km are developed, 
ranging from rural tracks (for cotton and farming) to international road corridors coated with either 
asphalt concrete or surface dressing.14 The paved network, composed mainly of trunk roads, has a 
total length of 5,700 km.  Road density stands at 1.80 km/100 km2, one of the lowest in Africa; 
and this figure is even lower in the northern regions.  
4.70.   Mali has signed bilateral agreements on road trans port and transit with neighbouring coastal 
or landlocked countries. These agreements specify, inter alia : the terms for transit by road; 
transport routes; the terms for sharing freight and passengers between carriers from the 
two countries and from third c ountries; and the goods that are excluded. In general, cabotage is 
not allowed. Nevertheless, Mali grants cabotage rights on a reciprocal basis with Senegal and 
Côte d'Ivoire.  
4.71.   The conditions for authorization to exercise the profession of road haulier are the same for a 
Malian national and a citizen of the WAEMU community. For other foreign nationals, the criteria 
depend on the bilateral agreements in force.15 
4.4.1.2   Rail transport  
4.72.   Mali's railway network consists of a single 729 -km line between Koulikoro and the 
Senegalese border. It connects Dakar (Senegal) and Bamako, and transports freight and 
passengers. This train track is in an advanced state of disrepair, some of its segments not having 
been renovated at all for several years now. Incidents on the track such as derailments have 
increased significantly of late. For instance, 136 derailments were recorded between Dakar and 
Thiès in the first 11 months of 2011.  
4.73.   In October  2003, Senegal and Mali entrusted management of the network for 25 years to a 
French -Canadian  consortium, Transrail, which was tasked with maintaining, renovating and 
upgrading the railway infrastructure. However, the contract was broken off in 2015.  
4.74.   Rail transport is vital to Mali's economy on account of several ongoing mining programmes 
and the fact that it is a landlocked country. To tap this potential, Mali has to build and rehabilitate 
the necessary infrastructure. Several railway interconnection projects are reportedly under way 
with countries of the subregion such as Côte d'Ivoire and Guinea . 
4.4.1.3   River transport  
4.75.   Mali is crossed by the Niger and Senegal rivers, which offer three main transport routes: on 
the Niger, the northern stretch linking Koulikoro and Gao and the southern stretch linking Bamako 
and Kouroussa in Guinea or Bamako and Kankan vi a the Milo river; and on the Senegal, the route 
linking Kayes and St. Louis. There are 13 formal ports. Koulikoro is the biggest. There is no longer 
a port in Bamako.  
4.76.   River transport is provided by the Malian Navigation Company (COMANAV), a State -owned  
enterprise, as well as by small operators of canoes and fishing smacks. For several years, 
COMANAV has suffered financial losses because its navigability period has been reduced from 
                                                
12 These resolutions seek to implement the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on a 
Code of Conduct which provides for sharing of 80 % of liner trade with the national shipping company of the 
State at the other end of a particular traffic.  
13 WTO document GATS/EL/53 of 30  August  1995.  
14 Online information  viewed at: 
https://www.afdb.org/fileadmin/uploads/afdb/D ocuments/Publications/AfDB_ -_Mali_ -
_Note_sur_le_secteur_des_transports.pdf . 
15 Law No.  00-043 of 7  June 2000 on the profession of road haulier and its implementing Decree 
No. 00-0503/P -RM of 16  October  2000.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  six months to four and it also has difficulty maintaining and modernizing it s fleet. This fleet 
comprises three very old mail boats for carrying goods and passengers, one petroleum boat, a tug, 
a push boat, three scows and 18 barges with a capacity of 200 tonnes. In 2015, COMANAV 
acquired two passenger transport vessels. There is no formal regulation in this area. According to 
the authorities, a draft law on the subject is in the process of being adopted.  
4.4.1.4   Air transport  
4.77.   Mali has 26 airports and airfields, but only five of them are served by scheduled flights: 
Bamako, Kayes, Mopti, G ao and Tombouctou. In 2013, Bamako (Senou) airport, the only 
operational international airport, handled 573,802 passengers (including arrivals, departures and 
transit), 10,480 aircraft movements and 167.33 tonnes of postal parcels. As regards freight, 
10,096 tonnes of merchandise were transported via the international airport, as against 7,669 in 
2012. Two Malian airlines (whose operations have been suspended since 2013) and 
16 international airlines use Mali's airports, mostly with medium -haul aircraft.  
4.78.   The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) designs  and ensures the implementation of 
national civil aviation policy. It is responsible, in particular, for: (a) participating in developing civil 
aviation regulations in conformity with the rules of the Intern ational Civil Aviation Organization 
(ICAO), the Yamoussoukro Decision and community provisions; (b) monitoring the observance of 
civil aviation security and safety rules; and (c) overseeing air navigation services. A new national 
civil aviation policy was adopted in 2010. Its primary goal is to tackle the country's domestic and 
international isolation, above all by bringing its national air transport in line with international air 
transport requirements and creating the conditions to mobilize, capitalize on  and make rational use 
of resources in the sector.  
4.79.   Airports are managed by Mali Airports (ADM), a State -owned company set up in 1970. 
There is only one company, the Mali Airport Handling Company (ASAMSA), providing handling 
services. "Self -handling" and "m utual handling" among airlines are not authorized.  
4.4.1.5   Port services  
4.80.   Mali has no sea coast or maritime fleet. Nevertheless, in order to monitor and transport 
goods for export and import, it has warehouses in six African ports. These Malian warehouses 
(EMA) are  external services of the National Directorate of Land, Maritime and River Transport 
(DNTTMF) and are the result of maritime transport and transit agreements signed between the 
Malian State and the countries of transit. Mali has three dry ports near Bamako  for storage, 
customs control and cargo handling. Others are planned at Ambidédi, Sikasso and Gao.  
4.4.2   Posts and telecommunications  
4.81.   Since the previous review of Mali's trade policy in 2010, the governance framework for posts 
and telecommunications has undergon e a number of changes. Ordinance No.  2011-024/P -RM of 
28 September  2011 established the Malian Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications/ICT and 
Posts (AMRTP), which is responsible, inter alia , for: ensuring compliance with the principle of equal 
treatme nt for operators in the sector; assisting the Minister for Posts and Telecommunications in 
drawing up regulations; protecting posts and telecommunication users; and ensuring compliance 
with the rules applicable in the regulated sectors, in particular by mo nitoring and supervising the 
activities of the operators involved.16 
4.82.   In principle, it is the AMRTP's responsibility to examine applications for 
telecommunication/ICT licences and to prepare and conduct the licensing process by invitation to 
tender. However,  the Government itself may, in some cases, decide to grant a licence after 
completion of a bidding process when it considers that such a procedure is preferable for the 
development of the telecommunication sector in Mali. For instance, the procedure for gr anting the 
third licence for the establishment and operation of telecommunication networks and services was 
set by Decree No.  2011-373/P -RM of 17  June 2011. Under the terms of this Decree, the procedure 
                                                
16 Ordinance No.  2016-014/P -RM of 31  March  2016 se tting out the responsibilities  of the AMRTP.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  consisted, inter alia , in establishing an interminist erial technical support committee; recruiting an 
international consultancy firm to deal with technical issues; and carrying out a bidding process.17 
4.83.   Since 2011, the telecommunication sector has been governed  by Ordinance 
No. 2011-023/P -RM of 28 September  2011, on telecommunication and information and 
communication technologies in the Republic of Mali. Ordinance No.  2011-012/P -RM of 
20 September  2011 established Mali POSTE, replacing the National Post Office (ONP), with the role 
of operating postal services a nd postal financial services.  
4.84.   The Ministry responsible for c ommunications and new technologies is in charge of  regulating 
telecommunication and postal services.  
4.85.   Mali did not make any specific commitments on telecommunication services under the GATS 
and did  not take part in the WTO negotiations on basic telecommunication services concluded 
in 1997.  
4.4.2.1   Telecommunications  
4.86.   The number of mobile customers stood at 23.5  million in 2014 (a penetration rate of around 
138%), whereas there were 154,417 fixed -telephone su bscribers in the same period 
(a penetration rate of around 0.72%).18 There are three operators in the market. Orange Mali has 
been in the market since 2003, and SOTELMA since 2009. Alpha Télécom, which obtained its 
licence in 2013, is not yet operational. L icences to set up and operate mobile telecommunication 
networks are technology -neutral, thus allowing telephone companies to provide broadband mobile 
Internet (2G and 3G) services. The main uses of mobile telephony are voice, mobile broadband 
and mobile pa yment.  
4.87.   Orange Mali and SOTELMA provide fixed -telephone services in Mali. Decree 
No. 2016-0975/P -RM of 27 December 2016 on fixed telecommunication network interconnection 
conditions and arrangements lays down the procedure and arrangements for the interconn ection of 
telecommunication services and networks. Network and service interconnection is a regulatory 
obligation. In general, interconnection contracts are negotiated between operators and are 
cost-oriented. Each interconnection contract is subject to pri or approval by the Regulatory 
Authority.  
4.88.   In 2009, Maroc Telecom bought a 51% share in SOTELMA, which was originally a 
State -owned enterprise, for CFAF 180  billion. As to the remaining 49%, the privatization strategy 
provides that 19% be sold to the public and 10% be set aside for the company's employees. On 
completion of the privatization process, the State will thus retain a residual share of 20% of the 
capital.  
4.89.   Internet access in Mali is provided mainly by SOTELMA and Orange Mali. The latter has over 
95% of the fixed Internet market. A few alternative operators (AFRIBONE, ARC MALI, DOGON 
TELECOM, COMSAT, FIYEN MALI, COMPASS) are also present in the market.19 The networks 
operated are the wireline network, the optical fibre transmission network and radio -relay links. 
While fixed Internet access remains marginal in Mali, mobile Internet teledensity on the other hand 
is growing steadily.  
4.90.   In 2015, the Information and Communication Technologies Agency (AGETIC ) was 
contemplating taking over management of the ".ml" domain name within the national territory, a 
role that had been performed by SOTELMA since 1997.  
4.91.   Ordinances Nos . 2011-023 and 2011 -024 of 28  September  2011 establish the framework 
for organizing the U niversal Access Fund under the responsibility of the AMRTP. The Fund was set 
up to finance universal access to basic telecommunication services, including access to national 
and international telecommunications (text, fax, Internet). Access to these servic es must be 
provided for all inhabitants of remote areas at an affordable price. Health and education services 
                                                
17 In 2017, Decree No.  2017-065/P -RM of 9  February  2017 laid down new procedures for granting, 
withdrawing and transferring licences.  
18 Online information  viewed at: https://www.amrtp -mali.org/pdf/rapport_act/Rapport_2014.pdf .  
19 Online information  viewed at: https://www.amrtp -mali.org/pdf/rapport_act/Rapport_2014.pd f.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  and services for persons with disabilities are considered  as priority areas. The Fund is financed by 
a 2% levy on operators' net turnover. An agen cy to manage the Fund was set up in 2016.  
4.4.2.2   Postal services  
4.92.   The State -owned post office ( Mali POSTE ) offers postal and financial services throughout 
Mali, with 130 "contact points" (95 post offices, 7 outlets and 28 postal sales points). Some 
services are re stricted to Mali POSTE , in particular the collection, franking, transportation and 
distribution of letters, postcards, parcels weighing up to 10 kg, printed matter and newspapers, as 
well as the operation of P.O. box services and letter boxes.  
4.93.   Courier serv ices (including transport) are also supplied by private companies on the 
domestic and international segments.  
4.4.3   Tourism  
4.94.   The security crisis caused enormous harm to the tourism sector in Mali, which saw a sharp 
decline in the number of tourists and the closur e or destruction of some tourist establishments. 
Between 2010 and 2013, inbound tourist numbers fell from 125,496 to 120,901. Things picked up 
in 2014, with 168,000 visitors, before deteriorating again in 2015 (159,000  tourists).20 
4.95.    Mali had 675 hotels in 2 014 (57 of them with a rating of one to five stars according to 
ECOWAS standards), providing a total of 10,214 rooms and 13,469 beds. The number of travel 
agencies climbed to 319 in 2014, from 154 in 2008. A classification commission, composed of 
represent atives of the Government and the hotel industry, is responsible for grading hotels. The 
classification process takes place every three years. Nevertheless, ratings can be given at the 
request of hotel owners. Tourism administration officials are empowered to inspect rated 
establishments. To be rated, establishments  have to meet certain technical standards in terms of 
size, hygiene and safety of their premises. Those found to no longer comply with the standards are 
liable to see their approval downgraded, su spended or withdrawn. Furthermore, the ECOWAS 
supervisory committee is also supposed to carry out an annual inspection and verification visit 
in situ to check the establishments' degree of compliance with hotel standards.  
4.96.   The Government considers the touri sm sector as one of the priority areas for the country's 
development. The Ministry responsible for tourism and the Mali Tourism Promotion Agency (APTM) 
are tasked with promoting tourism. Several trade associations are also active in this area.21 
Regular con sultations are held between the  national tourism administration and private -sector 
stakeholders. These meetings are generally called by the national tourism administration, but they 
may also be initiated by the private sector. A tourism development strateg y was put in place in 
2008 and ran until 2011.  
4.97.   Mali offers enormous potential for tourism. A dozen sites enjoy UNESCO world heritage 
status.22 The country boasts natural treasures such as the Gourma national park, home to around 
500 of the largest elephants  in the tropical region. These locations are suitable for various types of 
tourism, including ecotourism.  
4.98.   In the main, the tourism sector is open to the presence of foreign enterprises, and foreign 
investors enjoy the same privileges as domestic investors.  Tourism establishments and travel 
agencies or tour operators must obtain an authorization to engage in the activity from the 
API-MALI.  
                                                
20 Online information  viewed at: http://donnees.banquemondiale.org/indicateur/ST.INT.ARVL . 
21 These include, among others, the Malian Association of Tourism Professionals, Malian As sociation of 
Travel Agencies and Tourism, National Federation of the Hotel Industry of Mali, Network of Women 
Hotelkeepers, Mali Association of Hotelkeepers and Caterers , Tourism Industry Business Council, Association of 
Tourist Guides, Malian Association of travel agencies for pilgrimage and the Umrah, and Collective of travel 
agencies for the Hajj and the Umrah.  
22 Not forgetting, for instance: the  site of Djenné Djeno and the modern town of Djenné, Tombouctou 
and its mosques, Gao and the Tomb of Askia, t he septennial re -roofing of Kamablon in Kangaba, the 
transhumance of cattle herds through Diafarabé and Dialoubé, the Dogon natural and cultural sanctuary.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.99.   Under the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS), Mali bound without limitations 
the supply of adult education se rvices in the crafts subsector; hotel and restaurant services were 
also bound, with the exception of cross -border supply (not bound because of lack of technical 
feasibility according to the authorities).23 
4.100.   The Investment Code grants benefits to investors in  several economic areas, including 
tourism. The standard 18% VAT rate applies to tourism services. A tourism promotion tax is used 
to fund the work of the APTM.  
4.4.4   Financial services  
4.101.   Mali did not make any specific commitments on the financial subsector under the GATS 
and did not take part in the WTO negotiations on financial services, concluded in 1998.  
4.4.4.1   Banking and microfinance services  
4.102.   Banking operations in Mali are subject to the common banking regulations and the 
prudential provisions of the WAMU, which als o performs a monitoring role (section 1; and common 
report, section 4).  
4.103.   Mali has 13 BCEAO -approved banks, and three financial establishments.24 Banking 
establishments held around 97% of assets in the financial sector in 2015.25 
4.104.   The rate of the tax on financial activities (TAF) is set at 15%. The TAF applies to banking 
or financial activities, and in general to trade in securities and money. The financial institutions 
subject to this tax are banks, financing establishments , foreign -exchange dealers and other 
persons principally engaged in banking or financial operations.  
4.105.   Although the financial sector is very largely dominated by banks in terms of volume of 
assets, microfinance has a bigger client base in terms of customer numbers. It plays an important 
role in providing financial services to the poorest households, to microenterprises and to small 
farmers. Microfinance serves around 1.4  million beneficiaries.  
4.106.   The activities of these financial institutions are subject to common WAEMU regulations 
(common re port, section 4). In total, 126 microfinance institutions are listed on the register of 
authorized institutions in Mali.  
4.107.   The political instability which the country went through in 2012 led to a deterioration in the 
financial health of microfinance, which had already been hit by a crisis of confidence in 2010. This 
prompted a drastic increase in unpaid loans.26 
4.4.4.2   Insurance  
4.108.   The insurance market is subject to the regulations of the Inter -African Conference on 
Insurance Markets (CIMA) (common report, section 4). There are 11 insurance companies in Mali, 
eight of which handle general insurance (CNAR, Lafia, Sabu Nyuman, Allianz Mali, Saham 
Assurance Mali, Nallias S.A., NSIA Mali, Sunu Assurances Mali) and three specialize in life 
insurance (Sonavie, NSIA Vie Mali, Saham Vie Mali).  
                                                
23 WTO document GATS/SC/53 of 30  August  1995.  
24 Online information  viewed at: http://www.bceao.int/ -Etablissements -de-credits -.html. 
25 Online information  viewed at: 
http://documents.banquemondiale.org/curated/fr/188841468194052200/pdf/105298 -FRENCH -REPF-FSAP-
P153363 -PUBLIC -Mali-FSAPDM -TN-Microfinance.pdf . 
26 Online information  viewed at: 
http://documents.banquemondiale.org/curated/fr/188841468194052200/pdf/105298 -FRENCH -REPF-FSAP-P15
3363-PUBLIC -Mali-FSAPDM -TN-Microfinance.p df. WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  4.109.   The authorization required to operate in Mali is granted by the Minister for Finance, after 
receiving a favourable opinion from the Regional Insurance Supervisory  Commission. Automobile 
third-party insurance, which is mandatory, alone acco unts for almost half of turnover in the 
insurance market. The other mandatory types of insurance are the insurance of goods at 
importation, and construction insurance. The insurance subsector is overseen by the National 
Directorate of the Treasury and Publ ic Accounts. Insurance services are subject to the tax on 
insurance contracts, levied at a rate of 4% for insurance contracts covering air, maritime, land or 
river navigation risks, and 20% for all other insurance contracts . WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  5  APPENDIX  TABLES  
Table A1. 1 Merchandise exports by HS section and major HS chapter, 2010 -2016  
Section  Chapter  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Total (US$  million)  1,997.2  2,399.4  2,626.3  2,776.4  2,851.2  3,170.0  3,005.7  
Total (€ million)  1,508.0  1,726.0  2,044.0  2,091.1  2,149.0  2,858.3  2,717.3  
  (% of total)  
01 Live animals; animal 
products  3.6 4.2 4.8 5.0 1.5 6.3 7.8 
01 Live animals  3.5 4.1 4.6 4.7 1.2 6.1 7.6 
02 Vegetable products  1.3 1.8 1.1 1.6 1.3 1.2 1.1 
03 Animal or  vegetable fats 
and oils  0.0 0.2 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 
04 Prepared foodstuffs,  
beverages and  
tobacco  0.7 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.9 0.9 0.6 
05 Mineral products  1.5 2.9 1.2 2.5 2.4 1.5 0.3 
06 Products of the chemical 
or allied industries  1.9 7.0 6.5 5.9 7.2 3.8 3.7 
31 Fertilisers  1.5 6.5 6.1 5.6 6.7 3.3 3.1 
07 Plastics and rubber  0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 
08 Raw hides and skins, 
and leather  0.4 0.5 0.7 0.7 0.5 0.7 0.3 
09 Wood, cork, wickerwork  0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.5 0.3 0.2 
10 Pulp of wood, paper and 
paperboard  0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
11 Textiles and textile 
articles  8.6 8.7 14.9 13.0 11.8 10.4 8.9 
52 Cotton  8.5 8.6 14.8 13.0 11.6 10.2 8.8 
12 Footwear, headgear, 
etc. 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 
13 Articles of stone, 
plaster, cement  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
14 Precious stones and 
precious metals, pearls  79.1 70.5 65.7 67.7 70.5 69.6 72.9 
71 Precious metals 
(gold, non -monetary)  79.1 70.5 65.7 67.7 70.5 69.6 72.9 
15 Base metals and articles 
of base metal  0.5 0.5 0.8 0.3 0.9 0.6 0.4 
16 Machinery and  
mechanical appliances;  
electrical equipment  1.2 1.9 2.1 1.5 1.3 2.4 1.5 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, 
vessels and associated  
transport equipment  0.3 0.5 1.3 0.6 0.6 1.7 1.6 
18 Precision instruments 
and apparatus  0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
20 Miscellaneous 
manufactured articles  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
21 Works of art, collectors' 
pieces  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other   0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
Source:  WTO calculations based on data provided  by the Malian authorities.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table A1. 2 Merchandise imports by HS section and major HS chapter, 2010 -2016  
Section  Chapter  2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Total (US$  million)  3,425.9  3,352.6  3,466.1  3,822.4  3,926.7  3,994.6  3,845.1  
Total (€  million)  2,586.7  2,411.7  2,697.6  2,878.9  2,959.7  3,601.7  3,476.1  
  (% of total)  
01 Live animals; animal 
products  1.0 1.4 1.3 1.5 1.8 2.1 1.8 
02 Vegetable products  3.9 4.9 6.1 6.7 5.9 6.2 6.7 
 10 Cereals  2.2 3.2 4.5 4.9 3.9 3.6 4.3 
03 Animal or vegetable fats 
and oils  1.3 1.1 0.9 0.9 0.9 1.1 1.0 
04 Prepared foodstuffs,  
beverages and  
tobacco  5.7 6.4 5.6 5.9 6.7 7.0 6.7 
 21 Miscellaneous edible 
preparations  1.2 1.5 1.4 1.3 1.8 2.0 2.2 
 24 Tobacco  1.2 1.6 1.3 0.9 1.4 1.6 1.7 
05 Mineral products  25.5 35.9 34.4 33.1 31.7 26.5 28.1 
 25 Salt; sulphur; earths 
and stone; plastering 
materials  5.8 6.6 5.7 5.1 5.0 6.1 5.9 
 27 Mineral fuels, mineral 
oils 19.7 29.3 28.7 28.0 26.7 20.3 22.2 
06 Products of the chemical or 
allied industries  15.0 11.2 13.5 13.7 13.0 13.8 13.6 
 30 Pharmaceutical products  7.9 3.0 4.2 4.3 4.8 5.1 4.0 
 31 Fertilisers  2.8 4.7 5.0 5.1 4.7 4.0 5.6 
07 Plastics and rubber  5.0 3.7 3.8 3.6 3.4 4.5 3.8 
 39 Plastics  2.4 2.2 2.1 2.3 2.3 2.7 2.3 
08 Raw hides and skins, and 
leather  0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 
09 Wood, cork, wickerwork  0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.3 0.3 0.3 
10 Pulp of wood, paper and 
paperboard  1.0 0.8 0.6 0.9 2.4 1.3 0.7 
11 Textiles and textile articles  2.6 2.0 1.9 2.2 1.8 1.9 2.0 
12 Footwear, headgear, etc.  0.6 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.4 
13 Articles of stone, plaster, 
cement  1.3 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.1 1.1 
14 Precious stones and 
precious metals, pearls  0.0 0.0 0.0 39.4 0.0 0.0 0.0 
15 Base metals and articles of 
base metal  8.2 7.4 6.5 6.0 5.3 6.0 6.1 
 72 Iron and steel  3.0 3.4 2.7 2.7 2.4 2.5 2.1 
 73 Articles of iron or steel  3.4 3.0 2.9 2.7 2.1 2.7 3.0 
16 Machinery and mechanical 
appliances;  
electrical equipment  18.5 14.0 15.9 14.5 14.0 16.1 15.0 
 84 Machinery and 
appliances  11.2 8.3 9.0 8.5 7.5 7.9 7.3 
 85 Electrical equipment  7.3 5.7 6.8 6.1 6.5 8.2 7.8 
17 Vehicles, aircraft, vessels 
and associated  
transport equipment  7.3 8.4 6.5 7.4 8.8 9.3 9.1 
 87 Vehicles other than 
railway or tramway 
rolling -stock 7.0 8.4 6.4 7.3 8.5 8.5 8.7 
18 Precision instruments and 
apparatus  1.2 0.5 0.6 0.9 1.0 0.9 0.7 
19 Arms and ammunition  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 
20 Miscellaneous 
manufactured articles  1.3 0.6 0.8 0.8 1.6 1.4 2.1 
21 Works of art, collectors' 
pieces  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Other   0.1 0.1 0.0 0.1 0.1 0.0 0.0 
Source:  WTO calculations based on data provided by the Malian authorities.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table A1. 3 Destination of exports, 2010 -2016  
 2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Total (US$  million)  1,997.2  2,399.4  2,626.3  2,776.4  2,851.2  3,170.0  3,005.7  
Total (€  million)  1,508.0  1,726.0  2,044.0  2,091.1  2,149.0  2,858.3  2,717.3  
 (percentage share)  
America  3.3 0.4 0.4 1.0 0.5 0.9 0.4 
 United States  3.2 0.2 0.3 0.7 0.5 0.8 0.3 
 Other America  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.3 0.0 0.1 0.1 
Europe  21.1 15.2 16.3 10.5 12.5 23.1 22.0 
 EU(28)  8.9 3.4 4.6 2.4 2.5 3.4 2.5 
 France  1.1 1.4 2.0 0.6 1.0 1.0 0.6 
 Netherlands  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.5 0.4 
 Italy 6.0 0.3 0.6 0.5 0.4 0.5 0.4 
 EFTA 12.1 11.6 11.6 8.0 9.3 19.6 19.1 
 Switzerland  12.1 11.6 11.6 8.0 9.3 19.5 19.1 
 Other Europe  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.7 0.1 0.4 
 Turkey  0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.6 0.1 0.4 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States (CIS)  0.0 1.6 1.3 0.6 1.8 0.5 0.3 
Africa  67.5 73.0 64.3 74.0 66.0 60.5 58.9 
 South Africa  57.1 56.3 51.7 58.6 54.3 45.8 44.5 
 Côte d'Ivoire  2.0 3.7 4.5 5.2 3.1 4.8 5.7 
 Burkina Faso  2.2 4.2 3.6 3.0 5.0 3.9 3.7 
 Senegal  4.4 4.8 2.5 2.6 1.4 2.9 2.5 
 Guinea  0.3 0.9 0.5 0.9 0.9 1.4 0.9 
 Morocco  0.1 0.6 0.4 0.7 0.5 0.6 0.5 
 Niger  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 
 Mauritania  0.4 0.3 0.3 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.2 
Middle East  1.1 1.5 2.0 0.3 6.9 4.1 7.4 
 United Arab Emirates  1.0 1.5 0.7 0.2 6.7 4.0 7.4 
Asia 7.0 8.2 15.7 13.6 12.2 11.0 11.0 
 China  2.0 3.6 7.8 4.2 2.1 1.2 1.0 
 Japan  0.1 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.0 0.3 0.2 
 Other Asia  4.9 4.5 7.6 9.3 10.1 9.4 9.8 
 Bangladesh  0.8 0.4 0.4 1.1 1.9 2.3 2.8 
 India 0.0 0.2 0.8 2.2 2.0 2.1 2.4 
 Malaysia  1.2 0.7 4.9 1.4 1.5 1.3 1.8 
 Indonesia  0.6 1.7 0.3 1.2 1.7 1.4 1.1 
 Viet Nam  0.4 0.4 0.5 2.3 2.0 1.0 1.0 
 Thailand  0.5 0.7 0.3 0.6 0.7 1.0 0.5 
        
Memo:         
West African Economic and 
Monetary Union (WAEMU)  9.1 14.0 11.0 12.1 9.6 12.0 12.4 
 Côte d'Ivoire  2.0 3.7 4.5 5.2 3.1 4.8 5.7 
 Burkina Faso  2.2 4.2 3.6 3.0 5.0 3.9 3.7 
 Senegal  4.4 4.8 2.5 2.6 1.4 2.9 2.5 
 Niger  0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.3 0.3 
 Benin  0.3 0.7 0.1 1.1 0.0 0.0 0.2 
 Togo 0.1 0.3 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.0 
 Guinea -Bissau  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data received by the Malian authorities.  WT/TPR/S/362 /Rev.1  • Mali  
 
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  Table A1. 4 Origin of imports, 2010 -2016  
 2010  2011  2012  2013  2014  2015  2016  
Total (US$  million)  3,425.9  3,352.6  3,466.1  3,822.4  3,926.7  3,994.6  3,845.1  
Total (€  million)  2,586.7  2,411.7  2,697.6  2,878.9  2,959.7  3,601.7  3,476.1  
 (percentage share)  
America  8.4 5.8 5.5 6.2 6.5 5.1 4.9 
 United States  5.8 2.5 2.7 2.9 3.8 2.6 2.6 
 Other America  2.6 3.3 2.7 3.3 2.6 2.5 2.2 
 Brazil  1.8 2.3 1.7 1.8 1.0 1.2 1.2 
Europe  27.7 21.6 20.9 22.1 24.5 27.1 24.8 
 EU(28)  26.9 20.4 19.7 20.8 23.4 25.4 23.7 
 France  15.1 10.3 10.8 9.3 11.2 10.3 8.6 
 Germany  2.9 3.5 2.2 3.0 2.9 4.0 4.4 
 Belgium  1.6 1.4 1.4 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.9 
 Italy 1.2 0.9 1.2 1.0 1.8 2.2 1.7 
 Netherlands  3.0 0.7 0.6 2.1 2.5 1.7 1.5 
 Spain  0.8 1.0 1.2 1.7 1.0 1.4 1.3 
 Lithuania  0.0 0.0 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.7 
 EFTA 0.3 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.4 1.0 0.3 
 Other Europe  0.4 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.7 0.8 
 Turkey  0.4 1.1 0.9 0.8 0.8 0.6 0.8 
Commonwealth of Independent 
States (CIS)  2.6 3.6 2.7 3.0 3.0 1.8 2.6 
 Russian Federation  1.0 1.7 1.8 1.9 1.9 1.3 1.6 
 Belarus  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.1 0.8 
Africa  40.6 48.8 51.0 45.5 43.3 40.9 42.3 
 Senegal  14.1 21.4 25.1 22.0 21.7 20.0 19.4 
 Côte d'Ivoire  6.7 8.1 8.3 9.0 9.5 10.4 9.8 
 South Africa  7.9 4.7 3.1 3.7 2.9 3.0 3.2 
 Benin  6.7 7.6 5.0 4.1 4.0 1.7 2.6 
 Morocco  0.8 1.2 0.7 1.5 1.0 1.9 2.5 
 Ghana  1.3 3.2 2.9 1.6 1.6 1.5 2.2 
Middle East  1.5 1.4 1.1 0.9 1.0 1.0 1.1 
 United Arab Emirates  1.2 0.9 0.5 0.5 0.6 0.6 0.9 
Asia 19.2 18.8 18.8 22.3 21.8 24.2 24.3 
 China  12.3 10.7 10.6 12.0 12.8 15.5 15.6 
 Japan  2.0 1.8 1.2 1.9 1.8 2.2 2.0 
 Other Asia  4.9 6.3 7.0 8.4 7.1 6.5 6.7 
 India 1.6 2.1 2.7 3.0 2.6 2.7 3.2 
 Australia  1.5 1.5 1.6 1.9 1.1 1.3 0.9 
        
Memo:         
West African Economic and 
Monetary Union (WAEMU)  29.2 38.2 42.9 37.6 36.4 33.1 33.0 
 Senegal  14.1 21.4 25.1 22.0 21.7 20.0 19.4 
 Côte d'Ivoire  6.7 8.1 8.3 9.0 9.5 10.4 9.8 
 Benin  6.7 7.6 5.0 4.1 4.0 1.7 2.6 
 Togo 1.6 1.1 0.5 0.2 0.2 0.5 0.5 
 Niger  0.0 0.0 3.0 1.8 0.9 0.2 0.4 
 Burkina Faso  0.2 0.2 1.0 0.5 0.2 0.4 0.2 
 Guinea -Bissau  0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 
Source:  WTO Secretariat calculations based on data received by the Malian authorities.