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

China Halts Fertilizer Exports

The Chinese government has stopped exports of fertilizers as the disruption caused by the Iran war mounts. Authorities reportedly told exporters to halt shipments of nitrogen-potassium fertilizer blends. The curb also applies to urea, a key fertilizer ingredient. The move is aimed ...

Chinese Supertanker Routes Saudi Crude via Red Sea, Bypassing Hormuz

Vietnam Overtakes China and Mexico in U.S. Trade Surplus, Testing Washington’s Tariff Threats
New Zealand's Prime Minister Christopher Luxon inspects a guard of honour in Apia on March 16, 2026. Photo / Ben STRANG / AFP

Samoan Leader Calls out Great Power ‘Bullying’ as Hosts NZ Prime Minister
Panama's government hopes China's COSCO Shipping will reconsider its decision not to use the Balboa port at the entrance of the Panama Canal. Photo by Nicolas Koutsokostas / NurPhoto / NurPhoto via AFP

Panama Hopes China’s COSCO Will Resume Operations at Balboa Port, Minister Says

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?

From Algeria to Angola, the Chinese population across Africa is growing rapidly. In less than…

The West’s Tragic Blindspot in Africa

I have been living in Kinshasa for almost three weeks now and since I landed…

The Chinese in Africa: Meet Mister Chen

Scan the headlines about the Chinese in Africa and the predominant theme focuses almost exclusively…

Rant: China Might Want to Consider Soft Power Too

By any measure China’s awe inspiring embrace of Africa is impressive.  Let’s put aside the…

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

It’s not often that senior Chinese officials make themselves available for interviews with the international…
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