A new chapter for Africa-China ties 🚀
As U.S. tariffs ramp up on August 7, extra duties hit exports from Lesotho's garment factories to South Africa's auto plants. With textiles and cars facing steeper costs, African industries are hunting for fresh markets to dodge the blow.
Tariffs shake up key industries 🌍
Lesotho's textile sector, once thriving under AGOA (a U.S.-Africa trade pact), saw its 50% tariff cut back to 15%, but the shock remains. "Textile manufacturing for the U.S. market has been our economy's backbone," says Teboho Kobeli of Afri Expo Textiles. "We had to brainstorm fast – like Indian startups pivoting to new regions – to find buyers beyond the U.S."
South Africa's auto export scene isn't immune either. Thembisa Fakude from Africa Asia Dialogues notes, "It won't cripple us, but we need backup plans. Markets like the Chinese mainland, which dropped tariffs for almost all African imports, are key."
Chinese mainland's zero-tariff lifeline 🤝
Already Africa's top trade partner, the Chinese mainland has rolled out a zero-tariff policy for imported goods from countries it has diplomatic ties with. Victor Gao from the Center for China and Globalization calls this "a blessing" for African exporters, pointing to the China International Import Expo as a huge showcase.
Pivoting to new buyers
Lesotho firms are linking up with South African retailers like Pick n Pay and Woolworths, mirroring tactics used by Southeast Asian brands entering neighboring markets. In South Africa, an export support desk is helping businesses diversify, proving that smart policies + political will can reroute trade flows.
What's next? 🌱💡
Experts agree China and Africa should deepen ties in green energy, digital trade, and industrial innovation. As global dynamics shift, this partnership could power growth – not just for Africa but inspire markets from Mumbai to Manila to stay agile in a changing world.
Reference(s):
China and Africa eye deeper trade ties as U.S. tariffs hit Africa
cgtn.com
