China Extends Zero-Tariff Treatment to All 53 African Countries with Diplomatic Ties
Primary region China
Tags Economy · Diplomacy
Regions China · Africa
China implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing starting May 1, becoming the first major economy to provide full-coverage duty-free access to Africa. The policy covers an additional 20 non-least-developed countries beyond the 33 already covered since December 2024, including Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria. China-Africa trade reached $348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% year-on-year. The policy excludes Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China's Commerce Ministry described it as aligned with the 15th Five-Year Plan to build a higher-standard open economy.
Strategic interpretation
The zero-tariff policy is a strategic move to deepen China's economic leverage across Africa ahead of the Trump-Xi summit, positioning Beijing as a more open trading partner than the US under Trump's tariff regime. The exclusion of Eswatini (Taiwan's last African ally) demonstrates the policy's diplomatic dimension. While the move may boost African exports to China, trade imbalances remain a concern — Nigeria alone runs a $6 billion quarterly deficit with China. The policy also undercuts US efforts to offer African nations alternative economic partnerships.