ADDIS ABABA, Aug. 21 – China-Ethiopia trade deals worth more than $330 million have been signed as both countries seek to expand Ethiopian exports to the Chinese market.
A total of 33 cooperation agreements were signed between Chinese and Ethiopian companies during the “Big Market for All: Export to China” trade promotion event held in Addis Ababa.
Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said the initiative is aimed at making China’s large consumer market more accessible to businesses around the world while supporting more balanced trade and a multilateral trading system. China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and source of investment, Chen said, adding that the country has continued to open its market through measures such as zero-tariff treatment.
According to Chen, these policies can reduce the cost of entering the Chinese market for Ethiopian exporters, increase sales of Ethiopian products and encourage investment in industries where Ethiopia has an advantage. In turn, this could improve the competitiveness of Ethiopian products and support agricultural and industrial development.
Meanwhile, Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, said the country’s exports to China reached $369 million in the 2025/2026 Ethiopian fiscal year, which ended on July 7. He said exports had recorded an average annual growth rate of 92 percent over the past five years.
Gofe described the trade initiative as important to expanding commercial ties and building a long-term economic partnership between the two countries.
Chang Hui, deputy director general of the Department of Foreign Trade at China’s Ministry of Commerce, said China-Ethiopia economic cooperation has continued to grow across different sectors. He described the initiative as part of China’s efforts to increase imports from countries around the world and promote more balanced trade.
The event was jointly organised by China’s Ministry of Commerce, the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, Ethiopia’s Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration and Ministry of Finance. More than 200 Chinese and Ethiopian representatives from the import and export sectors attended the event.
