Madagascar is the world's greatest producer of natural vanilla and cloves. Other exports include sugar and sisal, which is used to make binding twine. Bauxite, chromite, coal, and graphite are mined in Madagascar. Most of the country's few industries process hides, meat, sisal, and sugar for export. In 1989, Madagascar's government began a policy of encouraging foreign companies to build industrial plants in the country.
Most foreign trade is with France.
The United States buys coffee, cloves, and vanilla from Madagascar. Roads, most of which are unpaved, link the chief cities and towns of Madagascar. But many roads have bad ruts and are impassable during the rainy season. Air Madagascar provides air service between the major cities and makes international flights from Antananarivo. Toamasina and Mahajanga are the leading seaports.