China redirects trade to Africa as U.S. tariffs fuel export surge

China’s exports to Africa have soared by 25% in the first eight months of 2025, reaching US$140.8 billion, as Beijing redirects trade flows amid escalating U.S. tariffs under President Trump’s renewed trade war.
Faced with U.S. import duties as high as 100% on electric vehicles and 50% on solar products, Chinese firms are finding fertile ground in Africa, particularly in sectors like construction machinery, solar panels, electric vehicles, and steel products. Exports of construction machinery alone surged 63%, while solar shipments rose 60%, reflecting Africa’s growing demand for infrastructure and green technology. This shift has widened China’s trade surplus with Africa to US$59.55 billion, as African exports — mostly raw materials and agricultural goods — inched up by just 2.3% to US$81.25 billion.
Driven by the Belt and Road Initiative, Africa received US$30.5 billion in Chinese-funded construction projects in the first half of 2025, five times the amount in the same period last year. Nigeria leads the continent in project volume, alongside South Africa and Egypt. Experts say China sees Africa not only as a trade destination but as a proving ground for global expansion. “Africa is where China takes its firms and brands global and where they get experience, create markets and brand recognition,” said Lauren Johnston, a China-Africa expert. With China removing tariffs on most African imports and offering currency swap deals, the trade ties are deepening. Yet, experts caution that structural imbalances must be addressed to ensure long-term sustainability.