As steep U.S. tariffs shake African economies, China is stepping in with trade relief and deeper partnerships. But while the pivot toward Beijing offers short-term benefits, experts warn it may come at the price of long-term self-reliance and economic balance.
Recent tariff increases by the United States under former President Donald Trump’s trade policies have hit Africa’s export markets hard.
African countries such as South Africa, Libya, Algeria, and Tunisia are facing tariff hikes of 25% to 30% on key exports, including minerals, textiles, and agricultural goods.
The fallout from these tariffs is already being felt. Job losses loom in export-dependent industries across nations like Lesotho and Algeria, where local economies rely heavily on U.S. markets.
“These tariffs are a major blow to African manufacturers and workers,” said a trade analyst based in Johannesburg.
As U.S.-Africa trade relations grow tense, China is rapidly stepping in to fill the gap. Beijing is offering:
Tariff exemptions on selected African imports
Soft loans and infrastructure deals
Expanded access to Chinese markets
Several African countries are now shifting more of their exports to China, strengthening trade ties with the world’s second-largest economy.
“China is positioning itself as a friend of Africa during a time of economic uncertainty,” said a trade expert from Addis Ababa.
While China’s embrace may feel like a lifeline, some African economists are sounding the alarm.
“We are trading one dependency for another,” said Dr. Njeri Mwangi, an economist at the University of Nairobi. “Yes, China offers relief, but the terms are not always in Africa’s favor.”
Concerns include:
Debt traps from Chinese loans
Trade imbalances favoring Chinese goods over African manufacturing
Limited technology and skills transfer
Experts agree that Africa needs to focus inward. Many are calling on African governments to speed up implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) — the world’s largest free trade zone by number of countries.
“The only path to true economic independence is regional integration,” said a policy advisor from the African Union. “AfCFTA has the potential to boost intra-African trade, industrial growth, and job creation.”
This moment marks a pivotal point for African economies. The U.S. retreat and China’s growing influence offer both opportunity and risk. The choices Africa makes today will shape its economic independence for decades to come.
Should Africa lean into global partnerships — or lead from within?
