Trade

News & Analysis About Africa's Most Important Bilateral Trading Partner

China is by far Africa’s most important bilateral trading partner. China is the largest export market for more than a dozen countries across the continent and offers tremendous potential for future growth. But trade between these two regions is also highly unequal. Other than a handful of commodity-rich countries, most African states run huge trade deficits with China.  What will it take to balance out trade between these two regions and what role will Africa play within China’s Belt and Road Initiative. Bookmark this page for daily news and analysis to learn more.

Latest Stories

The China-Venezuela Relationship is Weaker than Many Think

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela to cut ties with China, Beijing’s relationship with Caracas has been in decline for years. Bloomberg shows that Chinese trade with the beleaguered country peaked in 2012, the year before President ...
China risks pressuring Indonesia over its pending U.S. tariff deal, economists warn, as Jakarta nears signing a trade pact with Washington.

China Pressure Hangs Over Indonesia’s U.S. Tariff Deal
China’s rail freight exports to Vietnam hit a record in 2025, volumes rising 86% as capacity and border handling expanded.

China–Vietnam Rail Freight Volume Hits Record in 2025
China remained Indonesia’s top export market and import source as Indonesia posted a $38.54 billion trade surplus in Jan-Nov 2025, BPS said.

China Tops Indonesia Trade in 2025, Surplus Extends to 67 Months
Thailand’s 2026 export outlook is weakening as China demand slows and U.S. trade pressure rises, according to government forecasts.

China Demand Slowdown Clouds Thailand’s 2026 Export Outlook

Podcast trade

A twice-weekly podcast dedicated to exploring every facet of China's engagement in Africa, Asia, and across the Global South. Hosted by Eric Olander, Cobus van Staden & Géraud Neema.
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From the Archives

Who are the Chinese in Africa?

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela…

The West’s Tragic Blindspot in Africa

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela…

The Chinese in Africa: Meet Mister Chen

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela…

Rant: China Might Want to Consider Soft Power Too

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela…

China in Africa: the BBC’s Annoying Interview of Liu Guijin

While both the Chinese Foreign Ministry and Chinese firms have protested U.S. pressure on Venezuela…