China's exports to Africa soar in 2025 as US trade war continues

China's trade with Africa is booming, but it is Chinese exports driving this resurgence.

Chinese exports to African countries could top $200 billion in 2025, as Beijing remains locked in a trade war with Washington.

Africanews cites customs data from China which shows that $122 billion worth of goods were exported to the continent in the first eight months of 2025 (January-August), with projections that the figure could reach $200 billion.

China-Africa trade overall reached $222.05 billion during this period, an increase of 15.4% year-on-year.

Chinese exports to Africa surged 24.7% to $140.79 billion, while imports from Africa grew only 2.3% to $81.25 billion.

This imbalance pushed Africa’s trade deficit with China to $59.55 billion, nearly equal to the $61.93 billion recorded for all of 2024.

RELATED: Experts warn against African reliance on cheaper AI technology from China

Africa business specialist Rutendo Hwindingwi also highlights China's development of the Hainan Free Trade Port, which will officially launch an island-wide independent customs operation on 18 December.

"They've really created incentives for people to export to China", he points out.

When it comes to Africa, the country's established itself on the continent as a big player, and the challenge for African countries now is to position themselves to move higher up the value chain, he says.

"Analysts do predict that this rapid growth in Chinese trade is unsustainable and will flatline, but at the moment they're smiling all the way to the bank."

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to Africa Business Focus with Rutendo Hwindingwi