The Top 10 Non-Mineral Raw Materials from Africa in High Demand in China (2025)

Introduction

As of 2025, Africa is recognized as a significant supplier of non-mineral raw materials that are in high demand in China. With China’s industrial and consumer sectors experiencing unparalleled growth, the necessity for diverse raw materials is increasing. This article highlights the top 10 non-mineral raw materials from Africa that are highly sought after in China, discussing their market value, the level of demand from China, and their contributions to the Chinese economy.

1. Cocoa

Cocoa stands as one of the most valuable non-mineral resources, with a global market value projected to reach $130 billion by 2025. China’s cocoa market has been expanding rapidly, driven by the growing confectionery and culinary sectors. African nations like Ivory Coast and Ghana are pivotal in supplying this critical commodity, directly influencing the flourishing of the chocolate industry in China.

• Global Market Value (2025): $130 billion

• China’s Market: The cocoa market in China is growing, with chocolate becoming more popular among Chinese consumers, particularly in urban areas.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Cocoa significantly contributes to China’s food and beverage sector, especially the growing chocolate industry.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import 150,000 tons of cocoa annually by 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria

Market Insights:

China’s chocolate market is expanding rapidly, thanks to the rising middle class and a growing taste for premium chocolates. African cocoa-producing nations such as Ivory Coast and Ghana are key suppliers of cocoa to meet China’s growing chocolate demand.

2. Shea Butter

Shea butter, derived from the nuts of the shea tree, has garnered considerable attention in recent years, particularly in the cosmetic and skincare industries. The market for shea butter in China is emerging strongly, with its global market anticipated to reach over $3 billion in 2025. African producers, especially from countries like Ghana and Nigeria, are crucial suppliers, making this natural product a staple in Chinese beauty products.• Global Market Value (2025): $3 billion

• China’s Market: The demand for shea butter is rising in China, especially in the cosmetic, food, and skincare industries.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Shea butter plays a key role in China’s personal care and natural product markets, both in production and consumption.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import around 75,000 tons of shea butter annually in 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Ghana, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Côte d’Ivoire

Market Insights:

China’s skincare and beauty markets are rapidly growing, and shea butter is increasingly popular due to its natural properties. Shea butter’s demand in China will continue to rise as consumers gravitate towards natural, organic products.

3. COTTON

• Global Market Value (2025): $35 billion

• China’s Market: As one of the world’s largest consumers, China’s textile industry continues to be a major driver of cotton demand.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Cotton is essential for China’s textile and garment industries, which are among the largest globally.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import approximately 2.5 million tons of cotton annually in 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Egypt, Mali, Burkina Faso, and West African countries

Market Insights:

The textile sector remains one of China’s dominant industries, and cotton is crucial for its operations. African cotton producers, especially from Mali and Burkina Faso, are vital suppliers that support China’s vast textile and apparel markets.

4. Coffee

The global coffee market value is estimated to surpass $460 billion by 2030, with China being a rapidly growing coffee consumer. African countries, such as Ethiopia and Kenya, remain some of the top coffee producers whose unique varieties are in demand. As specialty coffee culture gains traction in China, the importance of sourcing high-quality African coffee increases significantly.•

Global Market Value (2025): $96-$224 billion

• China’s Market: As one of the world’s largest consumers, China’s textile industry continues to be a major driver of cotton demand.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Cotton is essential for China’s textile and garment industries, which are among the largest globally.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import approximately 2.5 million tons of cotton annually in 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Egypt, Mali, Burkina Faso, and West African countries

Market Insights:

The textile sector remains one of China’s dominant industries, and cotton is crucial for its operations. African cotton producers, especially from Mali and Burkina Faso, are vital suppliers that support China’s vast textile and apparel markets.

5. Natural Rubber

Natural rubber, primarily supplied by African nations like Liberia, has a projected market value of $40 billion by 2025. China's automotive and manufacturing sectors are driving the demand for this raw material. The increasing need for environmentally friendly alternatives in various products ensures the growth of African natural rubber in the Chinese market.•

Global Market Value (2025): $20 -$42 billion

• China’s Market: China is the largest importer of natural rubber, critical for its automotive and manufacturing sectors.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Rubber is key to China’s automotive industry, particularly in tire production, and the manufacturing sector for industrial goods.

• Quantity Imported: China is expected to import approximately 1.4 million tons of rubber annually in 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria

Market Insights:

With China’s automotive industry and manufacturing sectors growing, the demand for rubber continues to rise. African countries such as Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire are key suppliers that will help meet China’s growing rubber needs.

6. Bamboo

Bamboo, known for its versatility, has a strong market potential that is projected to reach $100 billion by 2025. China, being a major consumer and producer, relies heavily on African bamboo for furniture, textiles, and construction materials. Sustainable sourcing from various African countries positions bamboo as an economic driver in both regions.

7. PEANUTS

• Global Market Value (2025): $19 billion

• China’s Market: China remains the world’s largest producer of peanuts, but it also imports significant quantities to meet its demand for oil and snacks.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Peanuts contribute to China’s food industry, particularly in snack foods and peanut oil.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import 800,000 tons of peanuts annually by 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan

Market Insights:

Peanuts remain a staple in Chinese cuisine and snack foods, making them a critical raw material. African countries like Nigeria are key suppliers to meet China’s growing demand for peanuts.

8. CASHEW

• Global Market Value (2025): $11 billion

• China’s Market: Cashew consumption in China is increasing due to the growing trend for healthy snacks and plant-based foods.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Cashews contribute to China’s snack food and health food industries, driven by consumer demand for nutritious options.

• Quantity Imported: China is projected to import about 250,000 tons of cashew nuts annually by 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Tanzania

Market Insights:

As China continues to seek healthier snack options, African nations such as Ivory Coast and Nigeria are poised to meet the demand for cashews, particularly for the growing health-conscious consumer segment.

9.TOBACCO

Global Market Value (2025): $950 billion

• China’s Market: China remains the largest consumer of tobacco, and its domestic market continues to grow, with tobacco importation also significant.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Tobacco plays a vital role in China’s consumer goods sector, particularly for cigarette production and tax revenue.

• Quantity Imported: China is expected to import around 250,000 tons of tobacco annually by 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa

Market Insights:

With tobacco consumption continuing to be strong in China, African nations like Malawi and Zimbabwe will continue to play a crucial role in meeting this demand. Africa’s tobacco will remain important in China’s consumer market, especially for production and taxation.

10.SOYA BEANS

Global Market Value (2025): $210 billion

• China’s Market: As the largest importer of soybeans globally, China continues to drive demand, especially for food production and animal feed.

• Contribution to Chinese Economy: Soybeans are crucial to China’s agriculture and food processing industries, especially in producing edible oils and animal feed.

• Quantity Imported: China will import around 95 million tons of soybeans annually by 2025.

• Countries Responsible: Nigeria, South Africa, Zimbabwe

Market Insights:

As China’s agriculture and food industries expand, soybean imports will continue to rise. African producers, including Nigeria and South Africa, will play an essential role in supporting China’s needs for both food and animal feed production.

In conclusion, these ten non-mineral raw materials reflect the vital contribution of African nations to the Chinese economy in 2025. As trade channels strengthen and the Chinese market continues to evolve, the importance of sourcing high-quality, sustainable raw materials from Africa is set to intensify, ensuring mutual benefits in international trade.

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