Trump’s Trade Policies: A New Opportunity for Stronger Africa-China Ties

Kenyan President William Ruto’s upcoming visit to China marks a pivotal moment in Africa-China relations, as trade tensions between the US and China continue to escalate. China has been Africa’s largest bilateral trading partner for 15 years. However, the relationship is skewed in Beijing’s favor as it exports more to the continent than it imports. Nevertheless, the Trump administration’s unilateral imposition of tariffs – and its rollback of aid before that – present an opportunity to strengthen trade relationships with China and diversify away from the US. However, experts believe African countries will seek to tread the middle ground in the ongoing trade war, meaning they will still attempt to maintain a relationship with the US, too.

SEMAFOR