China–Africa Trade Overview

China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching approximately US$295.6 billion in 2024. Trade between both regions continues to expand across infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, technology, renewable energy, logistics, critical minerals, digital commerce, and industrial development. Africa exported an estimated US$99 billion worth of goods to China in 2024, while imports from China totaled approximately US$179 billion. Key African trading partners with China include Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, Angola, and Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The relationship is increasingly evolving beyond infrastructure financing into industrialization, technology transfer, renewable energy, manufacturing, logistics, and cross-border e-commerce. A major recent development is China’s expansion of its zero-tariff policy for imports from nearly all African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing. The policy is expected to improve market access for African agricultural products, manufactured goods, and industrial exports while supporting the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area. As the Africa-China economic relationship continues to evolve, platforms like 27|06 International remains critical in enabling structured, balanced, and scalable trade and investment partnerships.