China's trade with Africa hit CNY1.41 trillion in H1 2026, driven by zero-tariff policies and a focus on industrial and agricultural goods.
China's commerce with Africa reached CNY1.41 trillion (US$208 billion) in the first half of 2026, the highest level ever recorded for the period, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, as reported by Beijing's Global Times.
Lin noted that the trade structure continued to improve, with 75 percent of China's exports to Africa consisting of capital goods and intermediate products aimed at supporting industrialization and agricultural modernization.
Following the introduction of expanded zero-tariff treatment in May for imports from 53 African countries, China's imports from Africa rose 23.5 percent year-on-year in May and June to 193.8 billion yuan. Four categories of African products—dried chili peppers, coffee beans, cashews, and wild aquatic products—have gained region-wide access to the Chinese market.
Mr. Lin dismissed claims of imbalance as a 'discourse trap' intended to disrupt cooperation, stating that China's zero-tariff policy demonstrates its commitment to high-level opening-up and has been welcomed by African nations. He emphasized that international trade is a two-way choice, not forced buying or selling.
China will continue to improve trade facilitation and help more high-quality African products enter its market, Lin said. He added that these efforts will inject new momentum into building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.