Maghreb Edition

U.S. Trade Policy Is Accelerating China–North Africa Economic and Defense EngagementF

Posted On 23 April 2025

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U.S. trade tariffs are accelerating China’s push into developing economies, with North Africa emerging as a key frontier. From a $265 million phosphate plant in Egypt to multi-billion-dollar industrial agreements in Algeria and renewed commercial diplomacy in Libya, China is accelerating its efforts to deepen ties and up its influence across the region. But Beijing’s ambitions are not just economic in nature. With growing economic clout, comes the need to push for military capabilities. With the launch of its first joint air force training exercise with Egypt in April 2025, China is also signaling a strategic military presence in MENA. The long term implications mean that while old influences may degrade, such as France’s degraded relations with the Sahel and Algeria, new influences could reshape the region’s global trade and diplomacy.

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The North Africa Journal is a leading English-language publication focused on North Africa. The Journal covers primarily the Maghreb region and expands its general coverage to the Sahel, Egypt, and beyond, when events in those regions affect the broader North Africa geography. The Journal does not have any affiliation with any institution and has been independent since its founding in 1996. Our position is to always bring our best analysis of events affecting the region, and remain as neutral as humanly possible. Our coverage is not limited to one single topic, but ranges from economic and political affairs, to security, defense, social and environmental issues. We rely on our full staff analysts and editors to bring you best-in-class analysis. We also work with sister company MEA Risk LLC, to leverage the presence on the ground of a solid network of contributors and experts. Information on MEA Risk can be found at www.MEA-Risk.com.