China trade with Africa soars as US tariffs bite

China has racked up a $60 billion trade surplus with Africa so far in 2025, nearly surpassing last year’s total, as Chinese companies redirect trade to the region while President Donald Trump's tariffs crimp the flow of goods into the United States.

- DAISUKE WAKABAYASHI MUSINGUZI BLANSHE

Through August, China exported $141 billion worth of goods and services to Africa, while importing $81 billion, according to data released by the Chinese government Monday. The widening trade imbalance with Africa stems from surging exports of Chinese-made batteries, solar panels, electric vehicles and industrial equipment.

The swell in exports to Africa, along with record volumes of goods sold to Southeast Asia and Latin America, underscores the resilience of Chinese manufacturers in finding new markets for the products their factories continue to churn out in enormous quantities.

China has long been the biggest trading partner for the region. But the flow of Chinese-made goods has never been more important as the trade war with the United States rages on and the growth of China's domestic economy slows. In August, China’s exports to the United States plunged 33% while those to Africa grew 26%.

The boom in trade to Africa is apparent on the streets of Kampala, Uganda's capital city.

In a bustling neighbourhood full of electronics shops, most of the solar panels crowding the interior of nearly every storefront had one thing in common. They were made in China.

One shop owner, Mwiine Joseph, said Chinese solar panels had edged out rival offerings from Europe and India over the past decade. He estimated that nearly 99% of the solar brands on offer were made in China. At the end of the day, the products from China could not be beaten on price.

"I only look for cheap solar to sell if I am to compete with others in the market," said Mwiine, 38. “This is what the Chinese are giving us.”