Washington challenges Gabon’s ban on imported chicken, Libreville seeks a resolution

Gabon plans to ban imports of broiler chicken starting January 1, 2027, but the United States is contesting the measure at the World Trade Organization. Libreville is now seeking a legal and diplomatic workaround to avoid a trade dispute.

The Council of Ministers meeting on September 18 indicates that Washington has officially raised concerns with Gabon regarding this measure. The government intends to rely on the exceptions outlined in WTO agreements and diplomatic negotiations to defend its economic interests.

The measure was announced in May 2025, with an implementation date set for January 1, 2027. The government presents it as a lever to reduce food dependency and accelerate the development of the local poultry industry. According to official data released in 2025, the country imported an average of about 55,000 tons of broiler chicken annually, compared to a national production of approximately 4,000 tons.

To prepare for this transition, authorities have increased investments and partnerships. In June 2026, the Ministry of Agriculture reported mobilizing 775 billion CFA francs in private investments across several agricultural and poultry sectors, aiming to significantly boost local production capacities.

This issue arises as Gabon accumulates arrears in contributions to the WTO. The Council of Ministers estimates these arrears at 228,997 Swiss francs, or about 164 million CFA francs. These unpaid dues result in restrictions on the Gabonese permanent mission’s access to certain documents and information from the organization.

The statement from the Council of Ministers on September 18 specifies that the government will develop a national strategy based on the exceptions provided in WTO agreements and through diplomatic negotiations. No decision to postpone or abandon the January 1, 2027 deadline has been announced.