China-Africa trade makes ‘moderate’ gains despite US tariffs, currency weakness

China’s trade with Africa grew by a moderate 2.7 per cent year on year in the first quarter to reach US$72.6 billion despite rising trade uncertainties from US President Donald Trump’s tariffs.

The latest customs data shows a mixed picture, with Chinese exports to Africa climbing 11.3 per cent to US$45.92 billion, while imports from the continent fell 9.4 per cent to US$26.69 billion.

The marginal increase comes amid growing trade uncertainties following Trump’s return to protectionist policies, including “reciprocal tariffs” on select African exports ranging from 10 per cent to 50 per cent.

While the measures have been paused for 90 days, they threaten key African economies that rely heavily on the US preferential trade programme known as the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

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How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa

How China is reshaping its economic ties with Africa

A Chinese diplomat in Africa, however, has expressed optimism that Beijing’s duty-free plan for products from the 33 least-developed African countries will boost China-Africa trade and help the continent combat the effects of the tariffs.