Products Imported from China to Eritrea

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$148 million to Eritrea. Among the main exports from China to Eritrea were Other Sea Vessels (US$29.3 million), Rubber Tires (US$12.4 million), Large Construction Vehicles (US$9.08 million), Other Iron Products (US$6.37 million) and Delivery Trucks (US$5.48 million). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Eritrea have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 17%, rising from US$2.15 million in 1995 to US$148 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Eritrea

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to Eritrea in 2023, categorized by product types, and ranked by their trade values in US dollars.

Tips to use this table

1. Identifying High-Demand Products: Analyze the top-ranked products to identify which items have the highest trade values. These products are likely to be in high demand in the Eritrea market, presenting lucrative opportunities for importers and resellers.
2. Niche Market Exploration: Explore products with significant trade values that may not be commonly known. These niche products could represent untapped market segments with less competition, allowing resellers and importers to carve out a unique position in the market.

Last Updated: April, 2024

Note #1: The HS4 code, or Harmonized System 4-digit code, is part of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). It’s an internationally standardized system for classifying goods in international trade.

Note #2: This table is regularly updated on an annual basis. Therefore, we encourage you to revisit frequently to access the latest information regarding trade between China and Eritrea.

Trade Agreements between China and Eritrea

China and Eritrea have established a cooperative relationship that emphasizes economic aid, infrastructure development, and investment, reflecting China’s engagement strategy in Africa. The relationship between the two countries is characterized by a series of agreements and projects aimed at economic development and mutual benefit. Here are some key aspects:

1. Bilateral Economic Cooperation: While there are no formal trade agreements explicitly labeled as such between China and Eritrea, their economic relations are governed by bilateral economic cooperation agreements. These agreements cover a range of sectors including infrastructure, mining, and health services.
2. Infrastructure Development: A significant component of China-Eritrea relations involves infrastructure projects financed and constructed by Chinese companies. These include road and housing projects, as well as improvements to water supply systems. Such projects are often funded by Chinese loans or grants and are crucial for Eritrea’s developmental needs.
3. Investment in Mining: China has invested in Eritrea’s mining sector, particularly in the extraction of gold, copper, and zinc. Chinese companies are involved in both direct operations and partnerships with local mining companies, supported by bilateral agreements that ensure the protection and facilitation of these investments.
4. Health and Technical Assistance: China has provided health-related aid to Eritrea, which includes the construction of medical facilities and the provision of medical supplies and equipment. Technical assistance also extends to agricultural projects aimed at improving food security and agricultural productivity in Eritrea.
5. Cultural and Educational Exchanges: The relationship also encompasses cultural and educational exchanges, with scholarships offered to Eritrean students to study in China. These programs are part of China’s soft power strategy, aiming to strengthen diplomatic and cultural ties.
6. Military Cooperation: While primarily economic, the relationship between China and Eritrea also includes aspects of military cooperation, with China supplying military equipment and training to Eritrea. This aspect of their relationship underscores the strategic interest China has in the region.

China-Eritrea relations are characterized by a focus on infrastructure and investment, with additional elements of aid and cultural exchange. These efforts are part of China’s broader strategy in Africa to secure alliances and access to natural resources through economic engagement and development aid.