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China expands zero-tariff imports from Africa as shipments surge

China’s purchases of unwrought copper from Africa jumped to US$1.65 billion in May, as tariff-free access boosted both critical minerals and oil imports.

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

China’s imports from Africa accelerated after Beijing expanded a zero-tariff policy across the continent in May, according to customs data cited by SCMP Economy. Chinese imports from Africa rose 21.1 percent year on year in May and 40.2 percent in June, outpacing overall growth in China’s imports over the same period.

The increase was partly linked to China’s demand for critical minerals tied to clean energy, semiconductors, and data centers that support its artificial intelligence push. Unwrought copper imports from Africa grew by more than 110 percent year on year in May to US$1.65 billion, while strategic minerals including platinum and spodumene also rose sharply.

Other commodities showed strong gains as well. Rhodium powder shipments surged nearly fivefold in May to more than US$125 million, and crude oil imports from Africa increased 21 percent in May to US$3.11 billion, making crude oil China’s largest import category from the region.

SCMP Economy said the tariff-free scheme may also be creating new export opportunities for African suppliers in additional sectors, including agricultural products, while ongoing disruption to oil flows was noted as a factor behind higher crude purchases.

Latest closeCopper $6.384 ▲0.8%|Platinum $1,690.00 ▲3.6%|WTI crude $80.18 ▲1.1%

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