China emerges as Chad’s primary supplier

In 2025, Chad imported goods worth 306.5 billion Central African francs from China, accounting for 30.7% of total imports. This staggering figure dwarfs all other suppliers, with Cameroon in second place supplying just 108.4 billion (10.9%), followed by Libya at 85.8 billion (8.6%). The dominance of Chinese goods—ranging from manufactured products to industrial equipment—reflects a classic North-South economic relationship where Chad absorbs Asia’s industrial output in exchange for raw materials.

United Arab Emirates: Chad’s top export destination

On the export side, the United Arab Emirates stands as Chad’s leading buyer, purchasing 333.3 billion Central African francs worth of goods in 2025. This represents 26.2% of Chad’s total exports, surpassing Malaysia (23.4%) and Germany (22%). The UAE’s role extends beyond mere consumption; Dubai and Abu Dhabi serve as critical redistribution hubs where Chadian crude oil often undergoes transformation or blending before being rerouted to global markets. While lucrative for the Emirates, this arrangement leaves N’Djamena with limited visibility into the final destinations of its own resources.

Key trade statistics

• 30.7% of imports originate from China—a regional record
• 26.2% of exports are absorbed by the United Arab Emirates
• 79.8% of imports are concentrated among the top 10 suppliers

Western partners lose ground

Despite historical ties, France supplies only 5.1% of Chad’s imports (50.9 billion), ranking sixth. The United States holds the fifth spot with 53.0 billion (5.3%). These figures underscore a gradual shift in Chad’s trade partnerships toward Asia, the Middle East, and emerging economies, reducing reliance on traditional Western powers.

The import landscape features additional players like India (4.3%), Togo (3.6%), Brazil (2.9%), and Turkey (2.3%), revealing Chad’s efforts to diversify supply sources while remaining critically dependent on China for volume.

The need for strategic diversification

This trade dynamic highlights Chad’s vulnerability: exports are concentrated among a handful of destinations (the top 10 buyers account for 98.9% of total exports), while imports are dominated by China. Such concentration exposes the country to external shocks. Policymakers may need to prioritize diversification in both export markets and supply chains to mitigate risks and foster sustainable growth.