China-Africa trade hits record 1.41 trln yuan in H1 as imports from Africa surge

China-Africa trade reached a record 1.41 trillion yuan ($197 billion) in the first half of 2026, with imports from Africa rising sharply after China introduced zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that have diplomatic ties with it, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Monday.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Lin said two-way trade reached an all-time high for the first six months of the year and is expected to set another record by the end of 2026.

China's imports from Africa grew strongly after the country introduced zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. In May and June, the first two months after the policy took effect, imports from Africa reached 193.8 billion yuan (about $27 billion), up 23.5% year on year.

More African products are entering the Chinese market under the policy. Dried chilies, coffee beans, cashews and wild aquatic products have enjoyed unified regional market access, making it easier for exporters across Africa to sell these products to China.

On the export side, about 75% of China's exports to Africa are capital goods and intermediate goods, including machinery, equipment, industrial parts and raw materials used in production. Lin said these products support Africa's industrialization and agricultural modernization, rather than serving consumer demand alone.

Calling international trade "a two-way street," Lin said that as the world grapples with the spillover of regional hotspot issues and a resurgence of unilateralism and protectionism, China remains firmly committed to expanding high-standard opening up through its zero-tariff policy, demonstrating its sense of responsibility as a major country.

This has been widely welcomed by African countries and commended by the international community, he added.