Nigeria imported 159 million toothbrushes from China in 2014

Here are seven surprising numbers from China-Africa trade

In Nigeria, China has not only been buying its oil, but also keeping Nigeria’s teeth clean.

Nigerian traders were the continent’s biggest purchasers of toothbrushes from China last year, spending a cool $9,372,920 on 159 million items – roughly one for each Nigerian.

Motorcycle

China has also been keeping Africa moving. In 2014, Togolese traders spent $193,818,756 on Chinese motorcycles.

Only Nigeria imported more, spending a whopping $450,012,993.

Wigs

In 2014, tiny Benin was the continent’s biggest importer of wigs and false beards from China. It purchased Chinese hair pieces worth $411m.

A hefty three million kg (472,400 stone) were taken to Benin, with many of those wigs then whisking their way to neighbouring Nigeria.

Underpants

South Africa was the continent’s biggest importer of Chinese-made male underpants.

Of the 18,747,003 pants imported by South Africa in 2014, 16,612,590 were Chinese – that’s a whopping 88% of South Africa’s imported pants.

Reptiles

Mauritius was Africa’s largest importer of Chinese soy sauce last year, spending $438,929.

However surprising sales don’t just flow one way. Mauritius sent back 5,735 reptiles to China to a value of $90,000.

Primates

Guinea was Africa’s largest primate exporter in 2014, sending 340 live primates to China last year.

Toilet Seats

Kenya was Africa’s biggest importer of plastic Chinese toilet seats in 2014, spending $8,197,499 on the lavatorial thrones.

Source: COMTRADE, UN, BBC