Which goods have been important exports for Madagascar?

Madagascar’s export revenue is primarily derived from a variety of agricultural products, textiles, and natural resources. Key goods that have been important for the country's economy include:

• Clothing and Textiles: A major source of export revenue.1
• Agricultural Products: Vanilla and cloves are significant exports, though they have faced challenges from synthetic substitutes and global overproduction. Other notable agricultural commodities include coffee (both robusta and arabica), various fruits, and spices.12
• Fisheries: The export of fish, shellfish, and crustaceans—particularly shrimp and prawns—provides a significant source of revenue for the country.12
• Minerals and Gems: Madagascar is a major producer of sapphires, at one point accounting for about half of the world's supply. The country also exports minerals such as chromite, nickel, and cobalt, with large-scale mining operations contributing to the economy.3

While cattle are raised throughout the island, their cultural significance as a symbol of wealth and their use in religious ceremonies have historically limited their role in the export market.2