Africa's Trade Dynamics with China: Opportunities and Challenges

In the first seven months of 2025, African imports of Chinese goods surged by 25% year-on-year, reaching $122 billion, as reported by Bloomberg. Nigeria led the continent's purchases, accounting for 11% of total imports, followed by South Africa (10%), Egypt (9%), Liberia (8%), and Algeria (6%). This increase was largely driven by heightened demand for construction machinery, passenger cars, and steel, with imports of Chinese solar panels rising by 60% over the past year. Despite this growth, Africa faces a significant trade deficit with China, which stood at $61.93 billion in 2024, as the continent's exports to China totaled only $116.79 billion against imports of $178.76 billion.

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Peter Kagwanja, president of the Africa Policy Institute, emphasized that to address this deficit, Africa must shift from being a consumer of overpriced finished goods to enhancing its industrial capacity and value addition. He noted that China's recent announcement of zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines for African nations could help balance trade, but Africa must also accelerate its industrialization efforts.

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Cavince Adhere, an international relations specialist, highlighted the underexploited potential of trade in services as a means to remedy Africa's trade imbalance with China. He cited Kenya's tourism sector, which saw a significant increase in Chinese visitors, as an example of how service trade can benefit both sides. Adhere argued that Africa should diversify its trading relationships, particularly in light of the United States' increasingly hostile trade policies.

Surge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficitChina's zero-tariff policy offers opportunities for Africa: Ghanaian presidentGhana projects increased exports to Chinese market – President MahamaChina’s export surplus suggests a shift in global tradeNigeria in talks with China to boost marine and blue economy ties

On September 4, 2025, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai met with Nigeria’s Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, to enhance cooperation in maritime development. This meeting followed Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s state visit to China in 2024, which has strengthened bilateral ties. Dunhai noted that China's zero-tariff policy on Nigerian goods would facilitate the export of high-quality products, while Oyetola expressed Nigeria's commitment to learning from China's experience in port infrastructure and sustainability.

Nigeria in talks with China to boost marine and blue economy tiesSurge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficitGhana projects increased exports to Chinese market – President MahamaChina's zero-tariff policy offers opportunities for Africa: Ghanaian president

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama described China's zero-tariff policy as a potential game-changer for African exports, particularly in agriculture. He emphasized the need for Ghana to expand its production capabilities to take advantage of the vast Chinese market. Mahama pointed out that the trade tensions between the U.S. and China could create opportunities for Ghana to export agricultural products that China currently imports from the U.S.

China's zero-tariff policy offers opportunities for Africa: Ghanaian presidentGhana projects increased exports to Chinese market – President MahamaSurge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficitNigeria in talks with China to boost marine and blue economy tiesChina’s export surplus suggests a shift in global trade

While the surge in imports from China presents opportunities, critics argue that Africa's reliance on raw material exports perpetuates the trade deficit. The disparity in trade volumes raises concerns about the sustainability of this relationship. Furthermore, the impact of China's new Arctic shipping route on African trade through the Suez Canal remains uncertain, with potential implications for revenue and trade dynamics.

Surge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficit

• “As long as Africa remains a consumer of over-priced finished goods like electronics and machinery from China and a supplier of under-priced raw materials, this deficit will continue to widen,” — Peter Kagwanja, President, Africa Policy Institute

Surge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficit

• “Trade in services is an area that has been neglected for far too long.” — Cavince Adhere, International Relations Specialist

Surge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficit

• “If we have arable land and we’re in a position to expand our production, then the zero tariff will make meaningful sense. But it is just a figure if we’re not able to respond and be able to export into the Chinese market,” — John Dramani Mahama, President of Ghana

Mahama touts China’s zero tariffs as opportunity for African exports

In summary, while Africa's trade relationship with China is evolving, it is marked by both opportunities for growth and significant challenges, particularly regarding trade imbalances and the need for structural adjustments within African economies.

Surge in Africa’s China imports prompts calls to tackle trade deficit