Chinese trade with Africa is on track to exceed $200 billion in exports by 2025, as Beijing continues to navigate its trade rivalry with the United States.
Recent customs figures indicate that $122 billion worth of Chinese goods were shipped to African nations within the first eight months of 2025, placing the continent on pace to hit the projected $200 billion mark.
During the same window, Africa exported $87 billion worth of products to China, showing a modest 2.3% rise. However, the growing gap pushed Africa’s trade deficit with Beijing to nearly $60 billion.
Most of what Africa buys from China includes machinery, heavy equipment, vehicles and metal-based products, making China a dominant supplier in these sectors.
Last year, total bilateral trade reached $295.6 billion, setting a record for the fourth year in a row.
To help balance the flow of goods, China has removed tariffs for 53 African countries it maintains diplomatic ties with, hoping to stimulate more African exports into the Asian market.
