China-Africa trade has seen a significant boost, soaring 12.4% in the first five months of 2025 to reach $134 billion. However, Africa’s share of China’s total foreign trade remains relatively small at 5.4%.
According to China’s General Administration of Customs, Africa’s exports to China increased by 1.6% to $50.6 billion, while China’s exports to Africa jumped 20.2% year-on-year to $83.4 billion.
This growth highlights a persistent trade imbalance, with Africa exporting raw materials like crude oil, agricultural products, and minerals, while importing Chinese manufactured goods such as machinery, electronics, textiles, and vehicles.
Despite this growth, African leaders have been urging China to increase imports of processed goods to narrow the trade deficit and boost industrialization on the continent.
In response, China introduced zero-tariff policies for 33 African nations classified as least-developed countries in December 2024, aiming to stimulate exports from these countries.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, and the trade relationship continues to deepen, with China exporting new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products to Africa, which surged year-on-year by 291%, 109%, and 57% respectively in 2023.
