China: Chad’s indispensable supplier

In 2025, China firmly established itself as Chad’s leading supplier, delivering goods valued at 306.5 billion FCFA, which accounted for an impressive 30.7% of Chad’s total imports. This dominant position is unparalleled, with no other partner coming close. Cameroon, the second-largest supplier, provided a significantly smaller 108.4 billion FCFA worth of goods, roughly one-third of China’s contribution. Libya followed in third place, with 85.8 billion FCFA, representing 8.6% of imports.

The composition of Chinese exports to Chad clearly illustrates the nature of this commercial bond: primarily manufactured goods, essential industrial equipment, and everyday consumer products. This dynamic reflects a classic North-South trade paradigm, where the African nation absorbs industrial output from the Asian economic giant, often in exchange for raw materials. Beijing has successfully replicated this model across the African continent for the past two decades, solidifying its influence.

The United Arab Emirates: a pivotal export hub

Conversely, the landscape of Chad’s exports presents a starkly different picture. The United Arab Emirates stands as the primary destination for Chadian goods, purchasing 333.3 billion FCFA worth of exports, which constitutes 26.2% of the total. The UAE surpasses Malaysia, which acquired 297.8 billion FCFA (23.4%), and Germany, with 279.9 billion FCFA (22%).

The role of the Emirates in this relationship extends beyond that of a final consumer; it acts as a crucial redistribution platform. Major commercial centers like Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as global trade hubs where Chadian crude oil often transits. Here, it may undergo processing or blending before being re-routed to various international markets. While this intermediation is financially beneficial for the Emirates and acceptable to Chad, it often means N’Djamena lacks full visibility into the ultimate destination of its vital natural resources.

Key trade figures for Chad

• 30.7% of imports — originate from China, marking a regional record.
• 26.2% of exports — are channeled through the United Arab Emirates.
• 79.8% of imports — are concentrated among Chad’s top ten trade partners.

France and the United States: present but trailing

Despite historical ties, France accounts for only 5.1% of Chad’s imports, totaling 50.9 billion FCFA, placing it sixth among suppliers. The United States holds the fifth position with 53.0 billion FCFA, representing 5.3% of imports. These figures underscore a gradual rebalancing of Chad’s commercial alliances, shifting towards Asia, the Middle East, and emerging economies, at the expense of traditional Western powers.

Further diversifying Chad’s import sources are India (4.3%), Togo (3.6%), Brazil (2.9%), and Turkey (2.3%). While these nations contribute to a more varied supply chain, Chad remains heavily reliant on China for the sheer volume of its imported goods.

Reconfiguring Chad’s trade dependencies

The strategic implication of Chad’s foreign trade statistics is clear: the nation sells its exports to a highly concentrated group of destinations, with the top ten buyers accounting for 98.9% of all exports. Concurrently, it procures imports from a somewhat more diversified array of suppliers, though Beijing maintains overwhelming dominance. This dual concentration exposes Chad to significant external economic shocks, which a proactive policy of commercial diversification – both in exports and imports – could effectively mitigate. This is a critical aspect of independent African journalism focusing on economic realities.