The so-called 'equivalent tariffs' imposed by the United States on dozens of trading partners came into effect last month. Among them, most African economies face a 15% tariff, and South African goods exported to the United States face tariffs as high as 30%.
Faced with the pressure brought by tariffs, African countries have not been completely passive in bearing it, but have demonstrated their ability to adapt and adjust. The solid foundation of trade between China and Africa, the accelerated construction of the African Continental Free Trade Area, the sustained cooperation with traditional partners such as Europe, and the active filling of emerging markets such as India and Gulf countries, together constitute a diversified defense line for Africa to cope with external challenges. Africa is maintaining its position in global trade through measures such as strengthening regional integration and expanding diversified markets.
Diversified market structure alleviates external shocks
International observers believe that the latest tariffs have significantly changed the framework of non US trade cooperation, shifting from a preferential mechanism based on development cooperation to so-called "reciprocal trade" and punitive tariffs. Nevertheless, the overall impact of tariffs on Africa remains controllable.
The key reason is that the proportion of the United States in the African trading system has continued to decline in recent years. The Africa Trade Report 2025 released by the African Export Import Bank shows that from 2010 to 2023, North America's share of Africa's imports will decrease from 7% to 5%, and its share of exports will sharply decline from 17% to 7%. Currently, Asia, Europe, intra African regions, and the Middle East account for over 90% of Africa's total imports and exports. The latest data from the International Trade Center shows that Africa's trade with the United States in 2024 is approximately $67.4 billion, accounting for only 5% of Africa's total foreign trade.
At the same time, the highly complementary economies of China and Africa, coupled with sustained growth in bilateral trade, have become important stabilizing factors in Africa's trade structure. In 2024, the trade volume between China and Africa reached a record high of 295.6 billion US dollars for four consecutive years, and China maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years.
In addition, China recently announced the implementation of zero tariffs on 100% tariff items for 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, which has been praised by African economists as a "timely rain". This policy not only effectively reduces the export cost of African goods, but also sends a positive signal to Africa: China is willing to share development opportunities with Africa and work together to resist external risks.
Cameroonian economist Enfumi Ouren Taway believes that at a time when US trade policies are causing global chaos, China's aforementioned measures bring significant opportunities to Africa. In the process of promoting diversified cooperation partners in Africa, the focus should further shift to Asia, especially China.
African Continental Free Trade Area: Strengthening Regional Integration
The African Continental Free Trade Area is becoming an important buffer against external market fluctuations. According to a report by the African Export Import Bank, Africa's commodity trade volume rebounded by 13.9% in 2024, reaching $1.5 trillion, significantly reversing the 5.4% decline in 2023; Intra African trade grew by 12.4%, reaching a total of 220.3 billion US dollars. With the deepening of the construction of free trade zones on the African continent, this strong recovery momentum is expected to continue.
Key progress has also been made in the construction of mechanisms. According to the Kenyan media East African Daily, as of February this year, 48 African countries have ratified the African Continental Free Trade Agreement, of which 19 countries have conducted trade in accordance with its mechanisms and protocols, laying the foundation for the integration of the African continent.
The African Continental Free Trade Zone has played a role as a shock absorber for the African economy. Under the strong impact of US tariffs, African countries have effectively reduced their dependence on a single external market by vigorously strengthening internal trade. At the same time, by actively promoting measures such as standard coordination and tariff reduction, a controllable and favorable environment has been created for Africa to enhance its industrial capacity and added value.
The synergy between infrastructure and policies is unleashing new potential. African countries have effectively reduced the cost of intra regional trade by vigorously improving infrastructure such as transportation, energy, and communication. At the same time, governments around the world are actively coordinating trade policies, simplifying customs clearance procedures, and creating favorable conditions for the smooth implementation of free trade zones on the African continent. These measures will further unleash the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area and effectively promote the process of economic integration in Africa.
Traditional and emerging partners jointly explore cooperation space
Faced with the pressure of US tariffs, Europe, as a traditional partner of Africa, continues to play a stabilizing role. According to data from the International Trade Center, in 2024, Europe Africa trade accounted for 34.3% of Africa's foreign trade. Both parties also enhance supply chain stickiness through standard coordination and quality improvement.
India and Gulf countries are also important targets for expanding trade in Africa. According to data from the African Strategic Research Center, India Africa trade has continued to grow since 2003, reaching approximately $103 billion by 2023, making India an important trading partner for Africa.
Meanwhile, non energy trade between Gulf countries and Africa is also growing. A report from the Middle East Observer Research Foundation shows that in 2022, non energy trade between African countries and the United Arab Emirates has reached $60 billion.
Africa is proving through its actions that it has the ability to strive for a more advantageous position in the new global trade order through integration and diversified cooperation. In the future, Africa will continue to achieve win-win coexistence with the world through an open attitude, and write a breakthrough and rebirth in trade.
Reprinted: Xinhua News Agency
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