The Ivorian economy is largely market based and depends heavily on the agricultural sector. The economy performed poorly in the 1980s and early 1990s, and high population growth coupled with economic decline resulted in a steady fall in living standards. A majority of the population remains dependent on smallholder cash crop production.
Principal exports are cocoa, coffee, and tropical woods.
Principal U.S. exports are rice and wheat, plastic materials and resins, Kraft paper, agricultural chemicals, telecommunications, and oil and gas equipment. Principal U.S. imports are cocoa and cocoa products, petroleum, rubber, and coffee. France is overwhelmingly the most important foreign investor. By developing country standards, Cote d'Ivoire has an outstanding infrastructure. Cote d'Ivoire's location and easy, reliable connection to neighboring countries makes it a preferred platform from which to conduct West African operations.