Ethiopia has a large population and thus potentially one of the
largest domestic markets in Africa. With a population of about 71
million, it is the third most populous nation in Africa, next to
Nigeria and Egypt. With a per capita income of roughly $100 (one
fifth of the sub-Saharan average), however, Ethiopia ranks among
the poorest countries in the world. Despite its poverty, Ethiopia
has been among the top ten U.S. markets in sub- Saharan Africa over
the last several years. U.S. exports to Ethiopia in FY 2003/04 were
more than $500 million, consisting mainly of aircraft exports. The
agricultural sector accounts for about 45 percent of the nation’s
gross domestic product, 85 percent of total employment, and more
than 80 percent of merchandise exports...