Bilateral trade between Ethiopia and China has exceeded 13 billion US dollars, cementing China’s position as Ethiopia’s largest trading partner, according to the Government Communication Service.

Imports from China climbed sharply at the start of the year, reaching 1.57 billion US dollars in March alone, a 22 percent increase compared with the same period last year. The rise reflects growing demand for machinery, manufactured goods and construction inputs as Ethiopia continues to expand industrial and infrastructure activity.

Chinese investment has remained a major pillar of the relationship. China is among the leading sources of foreign direct investment in Ethiopia, with a strong presence in manufacturing, road and building construction, power generation and industrial park development. Projects ranging from railways to energy facilities have played a central role in Ethiopia’s industrialisation and logistics expansion.

The government said Ethiopia’s recent accession to BRICS+ has further strengthened the partnership by improving access to international markets and development finance, including deeper engagement with China within new economic platforms.

The depth of cooperation was underscored by the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to Addis Ababa recently, marking the start of China’s first overseas diplomatic tour of the year and continuing a 36-year practice of beginning annual diplomacy in Africa. His trip also covers Somalia, Tanzania and Lesotho.

While in Addis Ababa, Wang Yi attended engagements at the African Union headquarters, including the launch of the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, an initiative agreed by Chinese and African leaders to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations. He also held talks with Ethiopian leaders focused on advancing outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

During talks, the two sides discussed expanding collaboration into emerging areas such as e-commerce, the digital economy, artificial intelligence and green energy, alongside transport, power supply and other infrastructure sectors.