Sierra Leone trade with China reaches $2.3 billion

Bilateral trade between China and Sierra Leone reached $2.3 billion in 2025, representing a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Yong reported that Sierra Leone’s exports to China grew by over 40% in 2025, with bilateral trade continuing to rise by approximately 38% during the first half of 2026. This growth is partially attributed to China’s zero-tariff treatment for Sierra Leonean products. Discussions are currently underway to expand Sierra Leone’s export portfolio to China to include palm oil, coffee, and cocoa alongside existing fishing products.

To support broader trade efficiency, the Sierra Leone Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SLCCIA) is participating in the Electronic Phytosanitary Certificate (ePhyto) Project. Implemented alongside the Global Alliance for Trade Facilitation, this initiative aims to modernize phytosanitary certification through digitalization. The project is designed to reduce administrative bottlenecks, improve transparency, and minimize processing times, ultimately enhancing the competitiveness of Sierra Leone’s agricultural and export sectors in regional and global markets.