Products Imported from China to South Sudan

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$156 million to South Sudan. Among the main exports from China to South Sudan were Delivery Trucks (US$11 million), Liquid Pumps (US$10.7 million), Broadcasting Equipment (US$7.8 million), Rubber Tires (US$7.55 million) and Electric Motors (US$6.46 million). During the last 10 years the exports of China to South Sudan have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 16.4%, rising from US$34.3 million in 2012 to US$156 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to South Sudan

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to South Sudan 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 South Sudan 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 South Sudan.

Trade Agreements between China and South Sudan

China and South Sudan have developed a relationship largely centered on oil and investment since South Sudan became independent in 2011. The relationship between the two countries is primarily shaped by China’s strategic interest in South Sudan’s oil resources, which are pivotal to South Sudan’s economy. Although specific trade agreements between China and South Sudan are not widely publicized, various cooperative frameworks and agreements have facilitated significant economic interactions, particularly in the oil sector and infrastructure development. Here’s an overview of the key elements of this relationship:

1. Oil Investment and Cooperation

Following South Sudan’s independence, China, already a major player in Sudan’s oil sector, quickly established a presence in South Sudan’s oil industry. Chinese companies, mainly state-owned enterprises like the China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), play a significant role in the exploration, extraction, and processing of oil. This cooperation is crucial, given that oil revenues constitute the majority of South Sudan’s national income.

2. Infrastructure Development Projects

China’s engagement in South Sudan also extends to infrastructure development, which is critical for the young nation’s economic stability and growth. China has financed and built several key infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, and government buildings. These projects are often part of broader economic assistance packages that China provides to South Sudan to strengthen bilateral ties and support South Sudan’s developmental needs.

3. Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreements

China and South Sudan have signed economic and technical cooperation agreements that encompass a range of sectors. These agreements typically include provisions for Chinese grants and loans to fund development projects in South Sudan. Such projects aim to improve public welfare and bolster economic development, focusing on areas like health, education, and water supply, which are vital for improving the quality of life in South Sudan.

4. Humanitarian Aid

Apart from economic investments, China has provided humanitarian aid to South Sudan to help address various crises, including food insecurity and health emergencies. Chinese humanitarian efforts are often coordinated with its economic activities in the country, providing a blend of development and immediate assistance.

5. Bilateral Talks and High-Level Visits

Regular diplomatic engagements, including high-level visits and talks, have been pivotal in shaping Sino-South Sudanese relations. These engagements often result in the signing of memoranda of understanding (MoUs) for future cooperation and reaffirmation of ongoing projects and commitments. Such diplomatic activities help maintain and expand the scope of cooperation between the two countries.