China-Africa trade reached a record 1.41 trillion yuan (approximately $197 billion) during the first half of 2026, marking the highest six-month total on record as trade between the two sides continued to expand.
According to Chinese officials, stronger imports from Africa following the introduction of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing helped drive the increase, while exports of machinery and industrial equipment continued to support manufacturing and infrastructure development across the continent.
African Imports Receive Boost from Zero-Tariff Policy
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said bilateral trade reached an all-time high for the January-to-June period and is expected to reach a new annual record by the end of 2026.
The zero-tariff policy has contributed to a sharp increase in African exports to China. During May and June, the first two months after the policy took effect, China’s imports from Africa reached 193.8 billion yuan (approx. $27 billion), an increase of 23.5% year on year.
Products including dried chilies, coffee beans, cashews and wild aquatic products have benefited from unified regional market access, making it easier for exporters across Africa to enter the Chinese market.
Capital Goods Continue to Dominate Chinese Exports
According to Lin, around 75% of China’s exports to Africa consist of capital goods and intermediate goods, including machinery, industrial equipment, production components and raw materials.
He said these exports support Africa’s industrialisation and agricultural modernisation rather than simply supplying consumer markets.
Responding to criticism of trade imbalances, Lin said international trade was “a two-way street” and described claims of imbalance as overlooking the broader benefits of economic cooperation, saying, “International trade is a two-way choice and there is no such thing as forced buying or selling.”
Trade Cooperation Expands Despite Global Headwinds
Chinese officials said the record trade figures were achieved against a backdrop of rising protectionism, geopolitical uncertainty and weaker global trade conditions.
Lin said China would continue expanding high-standard opening-up through its zero-tariff policy while further improving market access for African products. He added that the policy has been welcomed by African countries and the wider international community.
Outlook Points to Continued Growth
Officials expect bilateral trade to continue growing during the second half of the year, supported by expanding market access and deeper economic cooperation.
The latest figures reinforce the growing importance of China as one of Africa’s largest trading partners, with both sides seeking to strengthen commercial ties through increased trade in agricultural products, industrial goods and manufacturing inputs.
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