Relations between the U.S. and Madagascar began with the establishment of a consulate in the port city of Tamatave in 1867. Relations were strained during the 1970s, when President Ratsiraka expelled the U.S. Ambassador, closed a NASA tracking station, and nationalized two U.S. oil companies. In 1980, relations at the ambassadorial level were restored.
U.S. Assistance to Madagascar
After the 2009 coup d’état, the U.S. suspended direct assistance to or through Madagascar’s governmental authorities as well as all non-humanitarian activities. However, the U.S. continued to provide assistance in health and food security through nongovernmental organizations, community associations, and other private groups. All sanctions were lifted following the election of President Rajaonarimampianina. The U.S. is one of the largest
After the 2009 coup d’état, the U.S. suspended direct assistance to or through Madagascar’s governmental authorities as well as all non-humanitarian activities. However, the U.S. continued to provide assistance in health and food security through nongovernmental organizations, community associations, and other private groups. All sanctions were lifted following the election of President Rajaonarimampianina. The U.S. is one of the largest bilateral donors to Madagascar, which is a priority country for the President’s Malaria Initiative. Additionally, 154 Peace Corps Volunteers serve in Madagascar.
U.S. exports to Madagascar include machinery, vegetable oil, rice and wheat, aircraft, and vehicles. U.S. imports from Madagascar include apparel, vanilla beans, precious stones/metals, and perfumes/cosmetics. The U.S. has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which Madagascar is a member. Madagascar’s eligibility for preferential trade benefits under the African
U.S. exports to Madagascar include machinery, vegetable oil, rice and wheat, aircraft, and vehicles. U.S. imports from Madagascar include apparel, vanilla beans, precious stones/metals, and perfumes/cosmetics. The U.S. has signed a trade and investment framework agreement with the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa, of which Madagascar is a member. Madagascar’s eligibility for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act was reinstated in January 2015. (After the 2009 coup, because the de facto regime failed to meet the necessary economic and political governance criteria, Madagascar had lost its eligibility.)
The Investment Climate Statements analyze a variety of economies that are or could be markets for U.S. businesses and provide information on the business climates.
Since July, 2021 the United States has donated 1,820,870 safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine doses with the people of Madagascar. This includes 510,120 Pfizer and 1,310,750 J&J doses. Of the 1,820,870 vaccine doses, 80% were donated in partnership with COVAX and 20% were donated through AVAT.
The United States is committed to leading an international and coordinated effort to accelerate access to safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines to meet global needs. The United States is working with other governments and partners including COVAX, Caricom, and the African Vaccine Acquisition Trust (AVAT) to protect communities from COVID-19 and apply lessons from this pandemic to enhance health security now and in the future.
