China to Implement Zero Tariff on Imports from 53 African Countries
China has announced that it will eliminate tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with which it
maintains diplomatic relations, beginning May 1, 2026, in a sweeping expansion of its preferential trade
policy with the continent.
Under the new arrangement, duty-free treatment will apply to goods imported into China from those
African nations, a significant broadening of an existing scheme that previously offered zero-tariff access
primarily to least developed countries.
The sole exception to the expanded policy is Eswatini, which continues to maintain official diplomatic
relations with Taiwan rather than the People’s Republic of China.
The Chinese government said the zero-tariff initiative is intended to deepen economic cooperation,
strengthen market access for African exports and support shared development objectives under
frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
Beijing also plans to pursue joint economic partnership agreements and improve mechanisms like its
green channel to streamline trade and facilitate easier entry for African products into the Chinese
market.
Beijing’s move comes as part of its broader effort to strengthen ties with African economies, where
China is already the continent’s largest trading partner and a major investor in infrastructure and
development projects.
Trade analysts say the removal of tariffs could increase competitiveness for African exports, including
agricultural goods, raw materials and manufactured products, by lowering costs and improving access to
the world’s second-largest economy.
The policy takes effect in less than three months, and Beijing has indicated that implementation details
and accompanying trade facilitation measures will be rolled out through bilateral and multilateral
channels in the coming weeks.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
