China Trade With Tanzania to Top US$12bn

TANZANIA · TRADE

China’s ambassador to Tanzania, Chen Mingjian, said on Tuesday 20 October 2026 that trade between the two countries will exceed Sh31 trillion (about US$12 billion) this year. He spoke in Zanzibar, according to The Citizen newspaper.

For US readers, the figure shows how large China’s commercial footprint in East Africa has become. It also frames the competition for African ports, minerals and consumers.

What the Ambassador Said

Mr Chen met Abdi Mahmoud Abdi, deputy secretary general in Zanzibar of Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), Tanzania’s ruling party. The meeting was held at the party’s headquarters at Kisiwandui in Zanzibar.

The ambassador said the rise in trade “demonstrates the significant opportunities available for expanding economic cooperation”. He pledged continued support for development projects, including road and airport construction.

The Numbers in Context

The Citizen reports that trade reached Sh29.82 trillion (US$11.28 billion) in 2025. A total above Sh31 trillion this year would be about 4% higher, by our own calculation.

That is far slower than 2025, when trade rose about 27% on the year, according to The Guardian, a Tanzanian newspaper. The 2026 figure is the ambassador’s projection, not a published customs total.

Zero Tariffs and Zanzibar

China began granting zero-tariff treatment on all product lines to 53 African countries on 1 May 2026, according to regional media. The Citizen says the policy is expected to help Zanzibar producers of seaweed, spices and farm goods.

The Citizen does not give export figures for those products. The zero-tariff policy applies to all product lines, according to regional media.

Jobs and Old Ties

Mr Chen said Chinese investments have created more than 150,000 jobs across sectors, which is his own claim. We have not seen an independent count for the same period.

Mr Chen and Mr Abdi spoke of a relationship that The Citizen describes as lasting more than 60 years. Mr Abdi said it was encouraging to see China continue to support Tanzania’s development.

What It Means for You

American exporters and investors compete with Chinese firms for contracts in Tanzanian ports, roads and agriculture. Zero-tariff access makes Tanzanian goods cheaper in China, which can pull supply away from other buyers.

Travellers and expatriates in Zanzibar will see this mostly in infrastructure, such as airports and roads. Slower growth than in 2025 suggests the trade boom is levelling out.

What Is Not Known

The Citizen does not say whether the Sh31 trillion covers goods only or also services. It also gives no split between Tanzanian exports to China and imports from China.

No Tanzanian government statement confirming the 2026 projection was found. Official customs data for the first nine months of 2026 has not been published in a form we could check.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much will Tanzania-China trade be in 2026?

China’s ambassador says it will exceed Sh31 trillion, about US$12 billion. That compares with Sh29.82 trillion (US$11.28 billion) in 2025, according to The Citizen.

Who made the announcement?

Chinese ambassador Chen Mingjian said it on Tuesday 20 October 2026, while meeting a Zanzibar official of Tanzania’s ruling party CCM.

Is China giving Tanzania tariff-free access?

China began zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries on 1 May 2026, according to regional media. Tanzania’s goods are covered, and The Citizen expects Zanzibar producers of seaweed and spices to benefit.

How many jobs have Chinese investments created?

The ambassador claimed more than 150,000 jobs from Chinese investments. We have not seen an independent count.

Sources: The Citizen (Zanzibar); The Citizen, zero tariffs for 53 African countries.

Editorial responsibility: Matthias Camenzind, Editor-in-Chief · Editorial standards · Report an error