BEIJING, CHINA — Trade between China and Africa reached approximately US$239.6 billion in the first seven months of 2026, maintaining strong growth in economic exchanges between the two sides.
Figures released by China’s General Administration of Customs show that total China-Africa trade increased by 23.5 percent compared with the same period last year.
Chinese exports to African countries reached approximately US$152.7 billion, representing an increase of 25 percent.
Imports from Africa meanwhile amounted to about US$86.9 billion, up 21.1 percent year-on-year.
The latest figures come as China continues implementing zero-tariff treatment for products from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
The policy took effect on May 1 and is aimed at improving market access for African products entering China.
Chinese customs data has also shown increasing imports of African agricultural products, including avocados, fruit, seafood and other commodities.
At the same time, Chinese exports to the continent increasingly include machinery, industrial equipment, renewable-energy technologies and other products used in infrastructure and manufacturing.
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for more than a decade, with bilateral trade continuing to expand alongside investment and industrial cooperation.
The latest figures indicate that both Chinese exports to Africa and African exports to China recorded double-digit growth during the January-to-July period.
Attention is now expected to focus on whether expanded market access and zero-tariff treatment can further increase African exports during the remainder of the year.