The China in Africa Podcast Africa Buys More From China Than Ever. That’s a Problem.
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Sep 26, 2025 Trade between Africa and China is booming, surpassing $220 billion, but the surge in Chinese exports exacerbates a staggering $60 billion trade deficit. South Africa is struggling to close this gap, largely reliant on agricultural exports. The ethics of food exports amidst local food insecurity raises concerns. Local producers are squeezed by low-cost imports, complicating market dynamics. Discussion shifts to trade concentration and the potential of intra-African trade to reduce reliance on China. Hybrid consumer models may emerge as innovation drives new markets.
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Trade Surge Masks Growing Deficit
- China-Africa trade rose to $222 billion in the first eight months, up 15.4% on the year.
- Chinese exports to Africa surged 24.7% while African imports to China rose only 2.3%, widening a $59.5 billion deficit.
China Redirects Exports Southward
- China is redirecting exports to the global south as barriers rise in the global north.
- That shift helps explain the rapid export growth to Africa compared with other regions.
Tariff Cuts Aren't Enough
- Removing tariffs alone may not boost African exports because non-tariff barriers remain.
- Phytosanitary rules, logistics, and standards still block many agricultural shipments to China.