International trade data showed continued momentum in economic relations between Libya and China in February 2026, as Beijing continues to strengthen its commercial presence in the Libyan market and expand its economic influence in North Africa.

According to the Observatory for Economic Complexity (OEC), which tracks international trade data, China maintained its position as one of Libya’s leading trading partners, driven by rising exports of industrial equipment, electronic devices, construction materials, and consumer goods to the Libyan market.

Rise in Trade Volume in February

Data published by the platform showed an increase in the volume of Libyan exports to China last February, reaching approximately $223 million.

Meanwhile, imports from China to Libya rose to $297 million during the same month.

Thus, the volume of bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately $520 million last February.

Between February 2025 and February 2026, Libyan exports to China rose by approximately $176 million, an increase of nearly 378%, compared to $46 million recorded in February of last year. Meanwhile, imports from China rose by 64%, amounting to $181 million.

Crude oil topped the list of Libya’s major exports to China last February at $216 million, followed by copper scrap at $5.7 million, and then refined copper at approximately $645,000.

Conversely, steel pipes accounted for the largest Chinese exports to Libya in February at approximately $40 million, followed by heavy construction vehicles, amounting to $17.9 million, and then motor vehicles, spare parts, and accessories.

$3.5 Billion in Trade Volume in 2024

Data indicates that Libyan imports from China in 2024, which exceeded $3.5 billion, were primarily concentrated in machinery, electrical equipment, vehicles, furniture, and metal products, reflecting a growing reliance on Chinese goods in the infrastructure and domestic consumption sectors.

In contrast, Libya’s exports to China amounted to approximately $1.16 billion, with oil and its derivatives accounting for the lion’s share, underscoring the energy sector’s continued role as a key pillar of economic relations between the two countries.

This comes as China’s international trade in goods and services exceeded 3.93 trillion yuan in February 2026, according to data from the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, indicating that Beijing’s foreign trade activity remains robust despite global geopolitical tensions.

Observers believe that the growing trade exchange between Tripoli and Beijing reflects Libya’s increasing trend toward diversifying its economic partners, particularly as Chinese companies expand into energy, infrastructure, and telecommunications projects within the region.