Two workers packing clothing items into boxes in a busy warehouse setting.
Trump’s steep tariffs on African exports to the US are driving countries across the continent closer to China, Africa’s biggest bilateral trading partner. The tariff charges, which have resulted in massive disruptions, could lead to job losses in nations like South Africa, Algeria, and Lesotho. Libya, South Africa, Tunisia, and Algeria face some of the steepest charges, ranging from 25% to 30%. As US trade relations sour, China is seizing the moment, offering tariff relief and deeper partnerships to its African partners. Economists warn this pivot comes with risks, including overreliance and imbalanced trade. Amid growing frustration with US trade policy, experts call for Africa to turn inward by accelerating the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). They argue that while China may offer short-term relief, the real opportunity lies in building Africa’s own trade resilience and reducing long-term dependency on global superpowers.
CNN