China-Africa Trade in 2023 Increases, But Africa's Deficit Grows

 China's General Administration of Customs published on 12 January 2024 global trade figures for 2023.  China's trade with Africa increased 1.5 percent over 2022 to $282 billion, but Africa's trade deficit with China also increased.  Chinese exports to Africa reached $173 billion, an increase over 2022 of 7.5 percent.  African exports to China were $109 billion, a decrease of 6.7 percent.  

Kenya's Trade Deficit with China Widens

 Kenya's Business Daily published on 11 April 2023 an article titled "Kenya-China Trade Gap Grows Despite Diplomatic Charm" by Constant Munda.  

Kenya's trade deficit with China has widened for the second year in a row despite aggressive efforts by Nairobi to push Beijing to open its markets.  The deficit grew to the highest level since 2017, rising to $3.62 billion in 2022 from $3.51 billion in 2021.  

African Agricultural Exports Not Rectifying Trade Deficits with China

 Reuters published on 28 June 2022 an article titled "Africa's Dream of Feeding China Hits Hard Reality" by Duncan Miriri and Joe Bavier.  

The authors conclude that Chinese red tape and a reluctance to strike broad trade deals are undermining China's efforts to boost agricultural imports from Africa.

China Faces Headwinds in East African Community

 The Diplomat posted on 16 October 2020 a commentary titled "COVID-19 Spells Trouble for China in East Africa" by Abdou Rahim Lema, University of Montreal, and Samu Ngwenya, Peking University.

The authors, both students, argue that the aftermath of COVID-19, large trade deficits with China, Kenya's debt with China, and a Chinese-built railway in Kenya that is losing $9 million each month spell trouble for China's relations with the East African Community.