Trade between China and Africa rose 35% last year to a record value of US$254 billion. According to data released today by China Customs, cited by Lusa, the year-on-year rise is equivalent to an increase of US$65 billion in trade, attesting to the growing importance of China in supply chains.

Recall that the Asian country was the first to overcome the covid-19 pandemic, after adopting strict prevention measures, including isolating cities with millions of inhabitants, in the first quarter of 2020.

Thus, Chinese exporters benefited from being allowed to resume business, while foreign competitors faced restrictions. This advantage was maintained in 2021 as other governments renewed containment measures in response to the spread of new coronavirus variants.

Nevertheless, the increase in trade thus mainly reflects the increase in China's exports to Africa.

Meanwhile, in previous years, the trade balance remained balanced, with about $100 billion in purchases and sales on each side.

However, last year China exported a total of $148 billion and imported only $106 billion.

According to data from China's General Administration of Customs, Angola was the second African country that exported the most to China, surpassed only by South Africa.

Globally, however, Africa accounted for only 4.2% of China's international trade in 2021. The continent is among the Asian country's smallest regional partners, surpassing only the Persian Gulf.