China’s imports from Africa rise 23.3%

China’s imports from Africa rose by 23.3% year-on-year by the end of September 2026, while exports to the continent increased by 23.9%.

‎The growth comes as China implements a zero-tariff policy for eligible products from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, including Ghana.

‎Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, announced the trade figures at the High-Level Ghana–China Zero-Tariff Forum 2026, held at the Africa Trade House in Accra.

“By the end of September, China’s imports from Africa rose by 23.3% year-on-year, and exports to Africa increased by 23.9%,” Ambassador Cong said.

‎Cong‎ said China–Africa trade reached US$348 billion in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 17.7 per cent.

‎The zero-tariff policy took effect on May 1, 2026, and provides eligible African products with access to China’s consumer market of more than 1.4 billion people.

‎Cong said some Ghanaian cocoa products previously attracted tariffs ranging from 8% to 22% when entering the Chinese market.

‎Other Ghanaian products covered by the policy include cashew, shea butter, textiles, handicrafts and other eligible exports.

‎He said improved market access could encourage investment in manufacturing and local processing, create employment and support farmers and small businesses.

‎Cong said African countries needed to identify priority products, address institutional bottlenecks and align domestic production with Chinese standards and market requirements to translate the policy into export growth.

‎Participants at the forum emphasised the need to strengthen production capacity, standards compliance, certification, export financing, logistics and links with credible Chinese buyers.

‎The forum was co-hosted by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) and CEIBS Africa, with support from Prudential Bank Ghana Limited.

‎It attracted about 200 participants from government, business, financial institutions, diplomatic missions, development partners, academia, trade-support agencies and the media.

Source: GNA