New Chinese customs figures show bilateral trade grew 22.3 per cent in the first nine months of 2026, but exports from China to Africa increased faster than imports from African countries.
Trade between China and African countries reached US$312.11 billion in the first nine months of 2026, according to the latest figures released by China’s General Administration of Customs, highlighting the continued expansion of one of the continent’s most important trading relationships.
The data, published by China’s Ministry of Commerce, shows that bilateral trade increased by 22.3 per cent year on year between January and September.
However, the figures also reveal an important imbalance: China’s exports to Africa grew faster than its imports from the continent, raising questions about whether the expansion in trade is translating into more balanced commercial gains for African economies.
Chinese exports to Africa reached US$202.98 billion during the period, an increase of 24.5 per cent compared with the same period in 2025.
Imports from African countries stood at US$109.14 billion, representing growth of 18.5 per cent.
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