China’s imports from Africa surge after Beijing expands zero-tariff policy

AI Summary

China’s imports from Africa have surged following the expansion of Beijing’s zero-tariff policy across African countries, with customs data indicating rapid growth in trade including traditional critical minerals and emerging sectors.

Africa’s exports to China have surged since Beijing expanded its zero-tariff policy across the continent in May, as customs data showed signs of emerging trade links in a range of new sectors alongside traditional categories such as critical minerals. China’s imports from Africa soared by 21.1 per cent and 40.2 per cent year on year in May and June, respectively – outpacing the overall growth in Chinese imports over the same period, customs data showed. The increase was partly driven by China’s...