The economy of Chad suffers from the landlocked country's geographic remoteness, drought, lack of infrastructure, and political turmoil.

Of Africa's Francophone countries, Chad benefited least from the 50% devaluation of their currencies in January 1994.

Because of a lack of financing, the development of oil fields near Doba, originally due to finish in 2000, was delayed until 2003.

Regarding gross domestic product, Chad ranks 147th globally with $11.051 billion as of 2018.

Agriculture – products: cotton, sorghum, millet, peanuts, sesame, corn, rice, potatoes, onions, cassava (manioc, tapioca), cattle, sheep, goats, camels Exports: $2.464 billion (2017 est.)

Exports – commodities: oil, livestock, cotton, sesame, gum arabic, shea butter Exports – partners: US 38.7%, China 16.6%, Netherlands 15.7%, UAE 12.2%, India 6.3% (2017) Imports: $2.16 billion (2017 est.)

Imports – commodities: machinery and transportation equipment, industrial goods, foodstuffs, textiles Imports – partners: China 19.9%, Cameroon 17.2%, France 17%, US 5.4%, India 4.9%, Senegal 4.5% (2017) Debt – external: $1.724 billion (31 December 2017 est.)