Trade Numbers Reveal Africa-China Sticking Points

Chinese trade with Africa edged slightly higher to $295 billion in 2024. AFP/STR

New Africa-China trade figures released by China’s General Administration of Customs reveal a low-energy trade relationship hemmed in by structural constraints.

The Chinese authorities tried to put a happy face on it by emphasizing the 1.5% increase in trade (to a total of $282 billion.) But the trade deficit between the two sides widened from $46.9 billion in 2022 to $64 billion last year.

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by Cobus van Staden

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