When Donald Trump reimposed tariffs on Chinese goods, the move was meant to shield U.S. industries. Instead, it has helped turn Africa into China's fastest-growing trade frontier.
In the first seven months of 2025, Chinese exports to Africa jumped 25 year-on-year to USD 122B. That figure already exceeds the continent's entire imports from China in 2020, and trade is now on track to top USD 200 B for the first time, according to Bloomberg calculations from Chinese customs data.
The boom reflects how U.S. restrictions are redirecting Chinese goods toward regions eager for what Beijing can supply.
