In the first half of 2024, the trade volume of enterprises under the supervision of Guangzhou Customs engaged with Africa totaled approximately 57.8 billion yuan ($8.2 billion).

Of this amount, the exports accounted for 35.48 billion yuan, mainly comprising electromechanical products and labor-intensive goods. The imports totaled 22.32 billion yuan, with key items including pearls, gems, minerals, and agricultural products.

In recent years, economic and trade ties between China and Africa have strengthened, with a deepening in infrastructure cooperation. An increasing number of high-quality agricultural products from Africa such as Namibian seafood, South African fresh-cut flowers, Kenyan avocados and Ethiopian coffee beans are now entering the Chinese market.

A shipment of lobsters from Namibia, a country in Africa, recently landed at the Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport and quickly passed through customs clearance. Coastal countries in Africa are blessed with abundant marine resources, boasting a diverse range of seafood characterized by large specimens, excellent quality, and competitive prices, showing significant potential in the Chinese market.

Amid the global transition in energy consumption structures, Chinese new energy products such as lithium-ion batteries, photovoltaic products, and electric vehicles are gaining popularity in the African market. A recent shipment of around 76.6 metric tons of lithium-ion battery packs, having cleared customs, was promptly sent to Zimbabwe and other African nations.

Guangzhou Customs has announced its commitment to advancing the development of intelligent customs, implementing various measures to streamline customs clearance processes, and enhancing logistical connectivity between China and African nations.