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African trading brokers in China: The internet, Covid‐19 and the transformation of low‐end globalization

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  • Gordon Mathews

Abstract

African trading brokers in China buy knock‐off or copy goods and move them through customs via bribery to African ports; this trade, although illegal, brings desired global products to Africa. This paper, based on interviews with African trading brokers, examines how the internet and Covid‐19 have affected their trade. African customers can now find out the accurate prices of goods; computerized customs regimes make bribery difficult; and Covid‐19 has raised shipping costs. While the informal economic arrangements of these trading brokers will probably continue despite policymakers' efforts to eradicate them, China may no longer be the source of their goods.

Suggested Citation

  • Gordon Mathews, 2023. "African trading brokers in China: The internet, Covid‐19 and the transformation of low‐end globalization," Journal of International Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 35(3), pages 491-504, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:jintdv:v:35:y:2023:i:3:p:491-504
    DOI: 10.1002/jid.3654
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Jacques Charmes, 2012. "The Informal Economy Worldwide: Trends and Characteristics," Margin: The Journal of Applied Economic Research, National Council of Applied Economic Research, vol. 6(2), pages 103-132, May.
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