China’s imports from Africa surged 23.5% year‑on‑year in May and June to 193.8 billion yuan (about $28.6B ), following the implementation of zero-tariff measures.
Starting May 1, 2026, China extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, after eliminating tariffs on all tariff lines for 33 African least developed countries in December 2024.
According to customs data, China’s imports from Africa surged 21.1% in May and 40.2% in June year‑on‑year, outpacing overall Chinese import growth. The increase was supported by rising demand for critical minerals as China continues to expand investments in clean energy, semiconductors, data centers and artificial intelligence.
Imports of unwrought copper from Africa more than doubled in May to US$1.65 billion, while purchases of platinum and spodumene increased significantly. Shipments of rhodium powder surged nearly fivefold to exceed $125 million in value.
Crude oil remained China’s largest import from Africa, with imports rising 21% year on year to $3.11 billion in May amid continued disruptions to oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.
China’s expanded zero‑tariff policy, effective May 1, has created new export opportunities for African countries, particularly in the agricultural sector. The policy was extended to all 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing, eliminating import duties for major economies, including South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya.
The zero-tariff policy, which will remain in effect until April 2028, is seen as a part of China’s efforts to narrow its trade imbalance with Africa and deepen ties with the Global South.
Customs data also showed strong growth in agricultural imports, with shipments of shelled peanuts rising 15‑fold to $13.68 million, while virgin peanut oil and non‑GM soybeans jumped more than 30‑fold and eightfold in May.
Imports of African coffee and apples increased by 52% and 85%, respectively, while sugar imports exceeded $1 million, compared with just $200 in May 2025. China also began importing products such as cane sugar, frozen cuttlefish, cloves, and orchid seeds from Africa on a commercial scale for the first time.
China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025, supported by strong Chinese exports of machinery, vehicles and ships, alongside imports of African crude oil and minerals.
Meanwhile, China’s exports to Africa rose 25.8% to $225 billion, while imports from the continent increased by about 5% to $123 billion.
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