Describes bilateral and multilateral trade agreements that this country is party to, including with the United States. Includes websites and other resources where U.S. companies can get more information on how to take advantage of these agreements.

Malawi is a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO) and two regional trade blocs: the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA).  Under the COMESA Treaty, all goods may be traded among member states under preferential treatment as long as they satisfy the prescribed rules of origin.  The SADC Trade Protocol calls for the establishment of a SADC Free Trade Area that stipulates the gradual elimination of tariffs between member states.  In principle, the SADC FTA took effect in January 2008 although certain members (Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia) are still implementing their scheduled tariff phase down.  Despite Malawi's membership in these organizations, to date intraregional trade has not been a strong component of Malawi's exports.

Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.