@J.JTimes
America’s tariff war is shaking Africa’s economy
and stepping in to fill the gap is none other than China.
African nations are turning away from the US and pivoting toward Beijing.
On August 3, CNN reported that African trade with the US is shrinking fast,
while China is becoming the continent’s dominant partner.
The US imposed 25–30% tariffs on exports from four African countries: Libya, South Africa, Algeria, and Tunisia.
Another 18 nations now face a 15% tariff burden, placing Africa under immense pressure.
The most impacted? South Africa, a key African economy.
Facing a 30% tariff, their citrus industry warned of mass layoffs.
Tens of thousands of boxes are stuck, unable to be exported to the US.
In the auto sector, some companies are even considering pulling out due to profit losses,
raising fears of growing unemployment.
Sensing the opportunity, China stepped in.
In June, China announced it would eliminate tariffs on most African imports,
offering relief in the face of US pressure.
South Africa’s Mineral and Petroleum Minister boldly stated,
“If America imposes tariffs, we must find alternative markets. Our top trading partner is not the US it’s China.”
But there are risks.
The China-Global South Project warned that China often skews trade deals in its own favor.
Last year, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa even urged Xi Jinping to establish a more balanced trade relationship.
Economist Bismarck Rewane from Nigeria told CNN,
“Africa is drifting right into China’s hands,”
and he predicted the shift will deepen in the coming years.
America’s protectionism may be pushing Africa into Beijing’s orbit
a shift that could reshape global trade dynamics.
With US-China rivalry expanding into Africa,
who will ultimately control this crucial front in the global trade war?
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