Orchestra 
DIGITAL WORLD
BRICS+ Media Centre 
MODERN RUSSIAN 
Bilateral trade reaches US$197 billion in first half of 2026, with expanded market access driving growth in agricultural and industrial goods
-
![]()
Suphanat Khumsap / iStock [Photo source]
China-Africa trade reached a historic US$197 billion in the first half of 2026, marking the strongest performance for bilateral economic relations during the January-June period, as reported by DNE Africa, a TV BRICS partner.
The growth was supported by expanded duty-free access for African products, which increased opportunities for exporters across the continent and strengthened economic ties between China and African countries.
China’s Foreign Ministry said two-way trade remained on track to achieve another annual record, following significant growth in imports from Africa after Beijing introduced zero-tariff treatment for all African countries maintaining diplomatic relations with China.
During May and June, the first two months after the measure came into effect, China’s imports from Africa increased by 23.5 per cent year on year to around US$27 billion.
The expanded market access has benefited a wider range of African goods, including agricultural products such as coffee, cashew nuts, dried chillies and selected seafood products, enabling producers from more countries to participate in the Chinese market.
China’s exports to Africa have also continued to support industrial development across the continent. Around three quarters of Chinese exports to African markets consist of capital and intermediate goods, including machinery, industrial equipment, components and production materials used in manufacturing and agriculture.
Chinese officials described trade cooperation as a mutually beneficial process and reaffirmed plans to continue expanding market openness despite challenges facing the global economy, including increasing protectionist measures and international uncertainty.
As commercial links deepen, cooperation between China and African countries is also expanding into broader areas connected with economic stability and sustainable development. Analysts note that growing trade volumes and investment flows have increased the importance of protecting supply chains, transport routes and key economic projects.
China’s engagement with Africa has increasingly focused on strengthening practical cooperation through technical support, professional training and institutional development, with an emphasis on maintaining stable conditions for economic activity.
-
![]()
Economy05.08.26Ethiopia moves to turn millions of smallholder farmers into agribusiness owners -
![]()
Economy05.08.26China sees rapid rise in technology tourism as innovation becomes new driver of inbound travel -
![]()
Economy05.08.26Russia’s agricultural exports to Africa rise by 35% in value in first half of 2026 -
![]()
Economy04.08.26Fertilisers and agrochemicals: supply chains and trade within BRICS -
![]()
Economy04.08.26Number of foreign sole proprietors in Brazil surpasses record 106,000 -
![]()
Economy04.08.26China completes first high-speed railway tunnel beneath Yangtze River
-
![Sergey Lavrov]()
Sergey LavrovRussian Foreign Minister"A Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers has been adopted. It provides a clear and principled assessment of the situation on the international stage and outlines the tasks that will be addressed in accordance with previous decisions by heads of state and governments. No one doubts that additional documents on sectoral areas of cooperation will be developed ahead of the SCO summit in Bishkek. Energy, artificial intelligence, healthcare and a number of other areas were also mentioned" -
![Nitin Gadkari]()
Nitin GadkariIndia's Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways"Our resolution has just been passed. It is very important as far as the BRICS countries are concerned, which cover 40 per cent of the world's population. We are committed to the futuristic development of the transport sector, to create cooperation, coordination and communication between the stakeholders. This resolution indicates a lot of new technology and innovation in the transport sector. It covers the road sector, railways, aviation and water transport" -
![Anutin Charnvirakul]()
Anutin CharnvirakulPrime Minister of Thailand"Russia has been a trusted friend of Thailand for over a century. […] Next year, we will mark the 130th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries. We will commemorate this important milestone with high-level exchanges, thereby reaffirming our shared commitment to an even stronger partnership for the benefit of our peoples"
