China dominates Chad’s imports while uae leads in exports
China supplies nearly a third of Chad’s imports while UAE captures over a quarter of its exports
Two global players shape Chad’s trade landscape—each in a distinctly different role.
China emerges as Chad’s top import supplier
In 2025, China delivered 306.5 billion CFA francs worth of goods to Chad—constituting 30.7% of the country’s total imports. No other trading partner comes close. Cameroon, the second-largest source, supplied 108.4 billion CFA francs—less than half of China’s volume. Libya ranks third with 85.8 billion CFA francs (8.6%).
The products flowing from China to Chad tell a clear story: machinery, industrial equipment, and everyday consumer goods. This mirrors a classic North-South trade pattern in which Chad absorbs China’s industrial output while supplying raw materials in return. A model Beijing has successfully replicated across Africa over the past twenty years.
UAE leads Chad’s export markets
The export side presents a contrasting picture. The United Arab Emirates stands at the top of Chad’s export destinations, purchasing 333.3 billion CFA francs worth of goods—26.2% of all exports. It surpasses Malaysia (297.8 billion, 23.4%) and Germany (279.9 billion, 22%).
The UAE’s role isn’t simply as a final consumer. Dubai and Abu Dhabi function as global trade hubs where Chadian crude oil passes through, often refined or blended, before being redirected to other markets. This intermediary role benefits the Emirates financially while remaining convenient for Chad—but it also means N’Djamena often doesn’t know the ultimate destination of its own resources.
Key trade figures
- 30.7% of Chad’s imports originate from China—a regional high.
- 26.2% of Chad’s exports go to the UAE.
- 79.8% of imports come from the top ten partner countries.
France and the United States maintain modest roles
Despite historical ties, France accounts for only 5.1% of Chad’s imports (50.9 billion CFA francs), placing it sixth. The United States holds fifth position with 53.0 billion CFA francs (5.3%). These figures underscore a gradual shift in Chad’s trade partnerships toward Asia, the Middle East, and emerging economies—leaving traditional Western powers behind.
Other key import sources include India (4.3%), Togo (3.6%), Brazil (2.9%), and Turkey (2.3%). While Chad diversifies its supply base, it remains heavily reliant on China for sheer volume.
A call for trade diversification
The data reveals a strategic vulnerability: Chad sells to a small group of highly concentrated buyers—with the top ten destinations accounting for 98.9% of exports—while sourcing goods from suppliers that, though more varied, still revolve around China. This dual concentration increases exposure to external shocks. A deliberate policy to diversify both import sources and export markets could reduce these risks.