Despite Trump tariffs, US imports from Africa surged 24% to $23.4B in H1 2025

  • US imports from Africa grew 23.9% year-on-year to $23.4 billion in H1 2025.
  • South Africa drove much of the growth, with exports surging 52.2% to $9.5 billion.
  • Nigeria recorded a 12.1% decline in exports to the US, falling to $2.8 billion.
  • Algeria also posted a contraction, with exports dropping 13.5% to $1.1 billion.
  • Egypt’s exports increased 14.8%.
  • Other African countries collectively expanded exports by 23.5% to $8.6 billion.
  • Africa’s trade growth with the US continues despite tariff barriers, showing resilience.

US imports from Africa grew significantly in the first half of 2025, reaching $23.4 billion, a 23.6% jump from the $18.9 billion recorded in H1 2024. This surge comes despite the backdrop of Trump-era tariffs, suggesting that the US demand for African products has proven resilient. The growth highlights Africa’s expanding role as a trade partner, with some countries outperforming others in their export contributions.

South Africa stood out as the biggest winner, with exports to the US soaring by over 52%. Egypt also saw a healthy 14.8% rise in its exports, while the other African economies collectively recorded a 23.5% boost. However, the picture wasn’t entirely positive, as Nigeria and Algeria posted declines.

Source:

U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Economic Analysis

Period:

H1 2024, H1 2025
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