The trade deficit between Africa and China continues to widen, with Africa's deficit reaching $101.4bn in the first ten months of 2026. This represents a 27.73% increase from the same period in 2025, according to data from the Chinese General Administration of Customs. The deficit is approaching the total deficit recorded for the entire year of 2025, which was $102.01bn.
The growth in China's exports to Africa is a significant factor contributing to the widening trade deficit. In the first ten months of 2026, China's exports to Africa reached $224.14bn, a 24% increase from the same period in 2025. Meanwhile, China's imports from Africa totaled $122.72bn, a 20.3% increase. The total trade between the two regions reached $346.8bn, a 22.7% increase from the same period in 2025.
The trade imbalance between Africa and China is also influenced by the structure of their trade. Africa primarily exports raw materials, such as oil, copper, iron ore, and lithium, to China. In contrast, Africa imports manufactured goods, including industrial equipment, electronic devices, and green energy technologies, from China. This difference in the nature of traded goods contributes to the significant trade deficit.
China has implemented measures to address the trade imbalance, including tariff exemptions for African countries. In 2005, China introduced duty-free treatment for 100 categories of products from the least developed African countries. In December 2024, China extended this treatment to all imports from 33 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. Further extensions were made in May 2026, eliminating tariffs on imports from all African countries, including middle-income countries.
Despite these measures, the trade deficit persists, and Africa's exports remain dominated by raw materials. The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) recommends that African countries implement reforms to benefit more from these trade advantages. These reforms include developing regional value chains, improving transportation and logistics infrastructure, and adapting African products to meet Chinese market requirements.
Afreximbank also suggests that African countries should focus on exporting more processed products and reducing their dependence on raw material exports. To achieve this, the bank proposes strengthening export credit insurance and using commercial loans denominated in yuan. These measures aim to enable African enterprises to sell more processed products and diversify their exports.
The ongoing trade tensions between China and the United States have also contributed to China's efforts to expand its trade with Africa. As the US imposes tariffs on Chinese goods, China is seeking new markets to sell its products and mitigate the impact of US restrictions. However, the fundamental trade imbalance between Africa and China remains a challenge that requires a more structural solution.
Key points
- Africa's trade deficit with China reached $101.4bn in the first ten months of 2026.
- China's exports to Africa grew by 24% in the first ten months of 2026, while imports from Africa increased by 20.3%.
- African countries need to implement reforms to benefit more from trade advantages and reduce their dependence on raw material exports.
