Liberia Exports Over US$200M to China in First Quarter of 2026
Liberia’s exports to China surpassed US$200 million during the first quarter of 2026, marking one of the most dramatic increases in bilateral trade in recent years and signaling the early success of China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries.
The figures were disclosed by Chinese Ambassador to Liberia Yin Chengwu during a media briefing in Monrovia on May 28, where he highlighted the growing economic partnership between the two countries and outlined opportunities for Liberia to further expand its exports into the Chinese market.
According to Ambassador Yin, Liberia’s exports to China exceeded US$200 million between January and March 2026, representing a more than thirty-fold increase compared to the same period in 2025. The surge was driven primarily by rising iron ore shipments and increased exports of natural rubber following the full resumption of mining operations at the Bong and Bomi mines.
The remarkable growth comes amid the implementation of China’s landmark decision to grant zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. The policy officially took effect on May 1, 2026, and is being viewed as a major boost for African exports and economic cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Ambassador Yin described the initiative as a historic step in China’s trade relations with Africa.
“China has become the world’s first major economy to unilaterally grant tariff exemption to all African countries having diplomatic relations with China, as well as all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China,” Ambassador Yin stated.
He noted that the policy fulfills commitments made by Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC and demonstrates China’s continued support for Africa’s development.
“Supporting Africa’s development is China’s unwavering principle and consistent policy,” Yin said, citing comments made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during discussions with Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, during her recent official visit to China.
“The zero-tariff treatment for all African countries having diplomatic relations with China, personally announced by President Xi Jinping, has been officially implemented, which fully demonstrates China’s commitment to the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith in its relations with Africa,” he added.
While the continent-wide tariff exemption officially began this year, Liberia had already started benefiting from preferential access to the Chinese market months earlier. Ambassador Yin revealed that China implemented zero tariffs on 100 percent of Liberian products in December 2024, positioning Liberia among the earliest beneficiaries of the initiative.
During her official visit to China from May 18 to May 22, Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti welcomed the policy and pledged Liberia’s commitment to maximizing the opportunities it presents.
“Minister Nyanti spoke highly of this policy and noted that Liberia will make most use of it and try to export more products to China,” Ambassador Yin disclosed.
Trade statistics presented by the Ambassador indicate that Liberia’s exports to China have been steadily increasing even before the latest surge.
According to Chinese customs data, imports from Liberia reached US$131 million in 2025, representing an increase of approximately 24 percent compared to the previous year.
Iron ore accounted for the largest share, with imports totaling US$97.75 million, a year-on-year increase of approximately 29 percent. Natural rubber exports also recorded substantial growth, reaching US$17.45 million, up by about 75 percent from 2024 levels.
However, the most significant gains emerged during the first three months of 2026.
Chinese imports from Liberia exceeded US$200 million during the first quarter alone, with iron ore imports valued at approximately US$188 million. This represented a thirteen-fold increase compared to the same period in 2025.
Ambassador Yin attributed the surge to renewed mining activity by Chinese companies operating in Liberia.
“Benefiting from the full resumption of production and operation by Chinese enterprises at the Bong Mine and Bomi Mine in Liberia, iron ore exports to China reached 1.86 million tons in the first quarter, a growth of over 37 times,” he revealed.
Natural rubber exports also posted impressive gains.
According to the Ambassador, rubber exports to China reached 7,044 tons during the first quarter, approximately nine times higher than the volume recorded during the same period last year.
“Rubber exports to China reached 7,044 tons, an increase of approximately nine times year-on-year,” he said.
Beyond mining and rubber exports, China and Liberia are now exploring new opportunities to diversify Liberia’s export portfolio.
One of the most promising initiatives involves the cultivation and export of chili peppers to the Chinese market.
Ambassador Yin disclosed that Liberia’s Ministry of Agriculture is partnering with Chinese enterprises to develop a chili pepper value chain capable of supplying Chinese consumers.
“The Liberian Ministry of Agriculture is cooperating with Chinese enterprises to grow chili peppers for export to China. Farmers in five counties have already received chili seeds and begun planting,” he announced.
The project is expected to produce Liberia’s first shipment of dried chili peppers to China within the next several months.
“It is said that 10 tons of dried chili peppers will be exported to China by the end of this year or early next year,” Yin added.
The Chinese diplomat described the zero-tariff arrangement as a significant opportunity to deepen bilateral economic cooperation while helping Liberia diversify its export base and increase foreign exchange earnings.
“The zero-tariff policy is a significant opportunity to advance China-Liberia relations, especially economic and trade cooperation,” he emphasized.
“We are ready to work with the Liberian side to make full and good use of this opportunity, contributing to the development of bilateral relations and the improvement of the well-being of the Liberian people.”
Ambassador Yin said both governments can collaborate to identify additional products with strong export potential and align Chinese market-access initiatives with Liberia’s broader development priorities.
“We may work together to focus on Liberia’s advantageous products, strengthen the alignment of China’s zero-tariff treatment with Liberia’s development plans in relevant fields, and identify competitive, high-potential, and sustainable export products for Liberia’s expanding exports to China,” he said.
The Ambassador also encouraged Liberia to take advantage of major Chinese trade and investment platforms, including the China International Import Expo, the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, and the Canton Fair.
He noted that China is simultaneously addressing barriers that have traditionally limited African exports from entering international markets.
According to him, Chinese authorities are working to overcome what he described as the “last mile” challenge through simplified customs procedures, expanded use of electronic documentation, mutual recognition of standards, and dedicated green channels for agricultural products.
“By simplifying customs procedures, promoting electronic documentation and mutual recognition of standards, and expanding ‘green channels’ for agricultural product access, China is striving to facilitate greater opportunities for African countries, including Liberia, to expand exports to China,” he explained.
Looking ahead, Ambassador Yin expressed confidence that Liberia’s access to China’s vast consumer market will continue to grow beyond traditional commodities.
“Iron ore, rubber and dried chili peppers are just the starting point,” he said.
“We believe that with the joint efforts of both sides, more high-quality Liberian products will enter the vast Chinese market in the future, bringing even greater tangible benefits to our two peoples.”
For Liberia, the export figures represent more than a temporary trade boost. They reflect growing opportunities for increased foreign exchange earnings, economic diversification, and stronger integration into one of the world’s largest consumer markets. The challenge now will be ensuring that Liberian producers, exporters, and policymakers capitalize on the momentum to build a broader and more sustainable export economy capable of delivering long-term growth and development.
Source credit: By David A. Yates / Liberian Observer
Date: June 7, 2026