China: The dominant supplier shaping Chad’s trade

In 2025, Chad imported goods worth 306.5 billion CFA francs from China, accounting for a commanding 30.7% of the country’s total imports. This figure dwarfs those of other suppliers, with Cameroon in second place at just 108.4 billion CFA francs — three times less — followed by Libya with 85.8 billion CFA francs (8.6%).

The nature of Chinese exports to Chad follows a familiar pattern: manufactured goods, industrial equipment, and everyday consumer products. This mirrors a classic North-South trade dynamic where Chad absorbs China’s industrial output in exchange for raw materials. A model Beijing has successfully replicated across Africa over the past two decades.

United Arab Emirates: The strategic export gateway

When examining exports, the picture shifts dramatically. The United Arab Emirates stands as Chad’s top buyer, purchasing goods worth 333.3 billion CFA francs — representing 26.2% of Chad’s total exports. It surpasses Malaysia (297.8 billion CFA francs, 23.4%) and Germany (279.9 billion CFA francs, 22%).

The UAE’s role extends beyond mere purchasing. Dubai and Abu Dhabi function as global commercial hubs where Chad’s crude oil transits, sometimes undergoes processing or blending, before being redirected to other markets. While lucrative for the Emirates, this arrangement leaves N’Djamena in the dark about the ultimate destinations of its own resources.

Trade concentration reveals strategic vulnerabilities

30.7% of imports originate from China — a regional record
26.2% of exports flow to the United Arab Emirates
79.8% of imports come from just ten countries
France and the United States hold distant positions with 5.1% and 5.3% of imports respectively

The trade landscape highlights Chad’s growing shift toward Asian, Middle Eastern, and emerging economy partners, gradually reducing reliance on traditional Western powers. India (4.3%), Togo (3.6%), Brazil (2.9%), and Turkey (2.3%) round out the diverse import sources, though China remains the undisputed volume leader.

A call for diversified commercial partnerships

The stark contrast between import and export partners underscores a critical strategic imbalance. While imports are relatively diversified, they remain heavily concentrated in Chinese hands. Meanwhile, exports flow to a handful of highly concentrated destinations. This dual concentration exposes Chad to external shocks that could be mitigated through a deliberate policy of commercial diversification — both for imports and exports.