Products Imported from China to Sao Tome and Principe

In the calendar year of 2023, China exported goods worth US$13.1 million to Sao Tome and Principe. Among the main exports from China to Sao Tome and Principe were Coated Flat-Rolled Iron (US$888,000), Motorcycles and cycles (US$585,000), Iron Structures (US$484,000), Zinc Sheets (US$471,186) and Rubber Tires (US$436,492). Over the span of 28 years, China’s exports to Sao Tome and Principe have grown steadily at an annualized rate of 16.5%, rising from US$213k in 1995 to US$13.1 million in 2023.

List of All Products That Were Imported from China to Sao Tome and Principe

The table below presents a comprehensive list of all commodities that were exported from China to Sao Tome and Principe 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 Sao Tome and Principe 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 Sao Tome and Principe.

Trade Agreements between China and Sao Tome and Principe

China and Sao Tome and Principe reestablished diplomatic relations in December 2016, after Sao Tome and Principe severed ties with Taiwan. This reestablishment has opened the door for new economic and trade opportunities, although the relationship is still in the early stages of development compared to China’s ties with other countries. Here is an overview of the nascent economic relationship and cooperative initiatives that might resemble or pave the way for formal trade agreements:

1. Resumption of Diplomatic Relations

The reestablishment of diplomatic ties itself was a significant move that allowed for the initiation of bilateral cooperation. While this isn’t a trade agreement, it has set the stage for economic, technical, and possibly trade agreements in the future.

2. Economic and Technical Cooperation

Following the renewal of relations, China has pledged to support Sao Tome and Principe in various sectors:

• Healthcare Assistance: China has provided medical aid and health-related expertise.
• Agricultural Development: Support in agricultural techniques and practices to help boost local production. These initiatives, while not strictly trade agreements, are fundamental in building a cooperative economic relationship that could facilitate trade.

3. Infrastructure Development

China is known for its investments in infrastructure in developing countries, and similar initiatives are likely to be seen in Sao Tome and Principe. These could include:

• Transport Infrastructure: Development of roads or ports which would be essential for enhancing the trade capabilities of Sao Tome and Principe.
• Public Buildings and Facilities: Construction of governmental or public service buildings through grants or concessional loans. Though specific projects might not have been publicly detailed yet, these types of investments are typical in China’s approach to building relations and are crucial for economic and trade activities.

4. Scholarships and Training Programs

China often offers scholarships and training programs to the citizens of its partner countries, which can help improve local skills and increase the workforce’s ability to engage in international trade and economic activities.

5. Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC)

As a member of FOCAC, Sao Tome and Principe benefit from multilateral agreements and commitments that China makes to African nations. These include preferential loans, development aid, and economic cooperation packages that indirectly affect trade by building the necessary infrastructure and economic environment conducive to trade.

6. Potential Future Agreements

Given the relatively recent reestablishment of relations, future trade agreements could focus on:

• Fisheries and Agricultural Exports: Leveraging Sao Tome and Principe’s rich marine and agricultural resources.
• Tourism Development: Investment in the tourism infrastructure, given the country’s potential as a tourist destination.
• Renewable Energy Projects: Given the global shift towards sustainable energy, cooperation in this sector could be beneficial.