African imports of Chinese goods surged 25 year-on-year to 122bn in the first seven months of 2025, according to an analysis of China Customs data by Bloomberg. Nigeria led the continent's purchases of Chinese products, accounting for 11 of total imports. It was followed by South Africa 10, Egypt 9, Liberia 8, and Algeria 6.
The spike in Chinese exports to Africa was primarily fuelled by elevated demand for construction machinery, passenger cars, and steel. A sharp increase in orders for solar panels also helped boost the value of Chinese exports to the continent, with imports of Chinese solar panels rising 60 in the 12 months to June 2025.
Although Africa represents only 6 of China's total exports-roughly half the share of the United States-the value of Chinese shipments to the continent has steadily risen in recent years. Bloomberg projects that Chinese exports to Africa are on track to exceed 200bn for the first time this year.