Liberia’s exports to China reached US$629 million in the first nine months of 2026, an increase of more than eight-fold year on year, according to a report by AllAfrica. This data, attributed to China Customs, highlights the accelerating momentum of bilateral economic ties. Iron ore was the primary driver, contributing US$594 million to the total. Rubber exports added US$32 million. This surge follows a 2025 baseline where exports reached US$131 million, a 23.9 percent annual increase.
The trade expansion coincides with Liberia’s participation in the 9th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which opened in Shanghai on November 5. The Liberian Observer reported that four Liberian exhibitors attended the event. The expo brought together 1,624 overseas exhibitors from 162 countries. Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung attended the expo and held talks with Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexian. These discussions aimed to deepen economic and commercial cooperation between the two nations.
A key facilitator of this growth is China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries with diplomatic relations. AllAfrica noted that Liberia was among the first beneficiaries. The policy reduces trade costs and broadens market access. This institutional arrangement allows Liberia to leverage its resource advantages. The report states that "The Liberian Government is actively promoting commercial chili pepper cultivation and exports." This initiative aims to diversify the export base beyond minerals and rubber.
Chinese investment is also supporting this development. Mainland Group announced a plan in August 2025 to invest approximately US$100 million in Liberia over five years. The investment focuses on rice, cassava, cocoa, and coffee production. The company has already invested US$10 million in a cassava starch deep-processing project. Such investments are intended to enhance local productive capacity. The two countries signed a Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Common Development in 2024, providing an institutional foundation for these collaborations.
The report emphasizes that policy benefits require industrial competitiveness. Liberia needs to improve product quality and logistics. Chinese enterprises can leverage their strengths in capital and technology to support these efforts. The CIIE serves as a platform for sharing development opportunities. China stands ready to work with Liberia to align the zero-tariff policy with Liberia's development priorities. This cooperation aims to transform resource potential into tangible development outcomes for both countries.