China challenges Europe for control of West Africa’s cocoa trade
China is seeking a larger position in the West African cocoa market after removing import tariffs on African goods, creating a new competitive threat to Europe’s longstanding dominance. Producers in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana expect the tariff-free regime to increase exports of cocoa beans and processed products to the world’s second-largest economy.
Tariffs of up to 22 per cent removed
China’s expanded zero-tariff policy took effect on 1 May and covers all product categories imported from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing. Eswatini is the only African country excluded because it maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Before the change, cocoa products from Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana faced Chinese import tariffs ranging from approximately 8 per cent to 22 per cent. The rate depended on whether cocoa entered as raw beans, paste, butter, powder or another processed product.
Removing those duties makes West African cocoa more competitive against supplies from Latin America and Asia. It also provides a stronger incentive for African businesses to process cocoa locally rather than exporting almost exclusively in its raw form.
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana together produce more than 60 per cent of the world’s cocoa. Their combined influence over global supply has increased as poor weather, plant disease and ageing farms have restricted production and created sharp price fluctuations.
Europe’s dominance faces a new challenge
Europe currently consumes approximately two-thirds of African cocoa exports. Trade routes connecting West African producers with processors in the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France and Britain are among the oldest established commodity relationships in the global food industry.
European companies possess extensive grinding, manufacturing and distribution infrastructure, making any rapid displacement unlikely. However, China offers a vast consumer market where chocolate demand can expand as incomes rise and retail preferences change.
Adeola Adegoke, president of the Cocoa and Coffee Farmers Alliance of Africa, said tariff-free access provides an important incentive to increase exports towards China. India is also developing as an alternative destination, adding competition for West African supply.
Greater buyer diversity could strengthen the negotiating position of producing countries, reduce dependence on European companies and provide some protection against regional demand changes.
Opportunity for African processing
The largest potential benefit may come from processed cocoa rather than raw beans. African governments have repeatedly sought to capture more value from an industry in which farmers receive only a small portion of the final price of chocolate.
Duty-free access could encourage investment in grinding plants, chocolate manufacturing, packaging and logistics. Cocoa butter, powder and finished products generate higher export revenues and create more local employment than unprocessed beans.
However, expanding processing capacity requires reliable electricity, efficient ports, financing and compliance with Chinese food-safety and origin requirements. West African exporters will also need distribution partners capable of reaching Chinese manufacturers and consumers.
China expands its influence in Africa
The tariff policy forms part of Beijing’s wider effort to deepen economic relations with Africa at a time when the United States and other Western economies are adopting more protectionist trade policies.
China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, although the relationship remains heavily unbalanced. In 2025, China exported goods worth approximately $225 billion to Africa while importing around $123 billion.
Increased cocoa exports alone will not eliminate that imbalance. Nevertheless, tariff-free market access gives Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire a strategically important alternative and signals that Europe can no longer assume permanent control over West Africa’s most valuable agricultural trade.
Newshub Editorial in Africa – 19 July 2026
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