Africa: China Opens Tariff-Free Trade to Nearly All African Countries

China Opens Tariff-Free Market to Nearly All African Nations

China has extended zero-tariff treatment to goods from 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, a policy that took effect on May 1 and will run until 30 April 2028. The move, announced by China's State Council tariff commission, expands an earlier policy in force since 1 December 2024 by adding 20 African economies to the 33 already covered. The only country not eligible is Eswatini, which maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The policy applies across all tariff lines for participating nations, according to Africa News. China's commerce ministry said the initiative would help create "development opportunities for African countries" at a time when "unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise," as reported by AllAfrica and RFI — English.

Coverage Comparison

Reporting on the policy has been broadly consistent on the core facts — the number of countries covered, the timeline, and the exclusion of Eswatini. The outlets diverge, however, on the anticipated effects. Africa News highlighted the enthusiasm of African officials and business leaders, framing the policy as a "fantastic opportunity" that will "open fresh trade opportunities" and "strengthen economic ties" across the continent. In contrast, AllAfrica and RFI — English emphasized the limited economic impact, quoting economists who argue that most African exports already benefited from low or zero tariffs.

The geopolitical context also figures prominently. Africa News framed the policy as a response to US protectionism, noting that the Trump administration imposed reciprocal tariffs on several African countries, with rates of 30 percent for South Africa and higher than 40 percent for others. AllAfrica and RFI — English presented the move as a strategic measure to deepen China-Africa ties amidst global economic trends.

Key Claims

• China has extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, effective May 1 and running until 30 April 2028. (AllAfrica, RFI — English)
• Eswatini is excluded because it maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan. (AllAfrica, RFI — English, Africa News)
• The policy expands an earlier scheme that had covered 33 countries since December 2024, adding 20 nations. (AllAfrica, RFI — English)
• South African officials and business leaders welcomed the move, with Trade Minister Parks Tau calling it "a fantastic opportunity" and the acting director for Trade and Investment Promotion in Johannesburg describing it as "a major milestone." (Africa News)
• Kenya sees "infinite opportunities," with officials at a seminar titled "Zero Tariffs, Infinite Opportunities" expressing confidence the policy will help upgrade product quality and improve the business environment. (Africa News)

Background and Economic Context

China-Africa trade reached record levels last year. According to China's customs data, total trade hit about €320.2 billion in 2025, up 17.7 percent year on year. Chinese exports to Africa rose to about €207.0 billion, while imports from Africa reached about €113.1 billion, widening Africa's trade deficit to roughly €93.8 billion. (AllAfrica, RFI — English)

The first shipment to enter under the new policy was a consignment of 24 metric tons of apples from South Africa that cleared customs in Shenzhen on the day the policy took effect, according to China's official Xinhua News Agency, as reported by Africa News.

Perspectives

African Officials and Business Leaders (via Africa News): The policy is a significant opportunity to expand exports, cut costs for small businesses, and strengthen economic ties. Parks Tau, South Africa's Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, said the move would "significantly expand the country’s export potential," while Kenyan officials emphasized the potential for "infinite opportunities."

Economists and Analysts (via AllAfrica and RFI — English): The economic impact is likely to remain limited. Thierry Pairault, an economist and China specialist at France's social sciences institute Ehess, noted that at least 96 percent of products already benefited from zero-customs duties under existing WTO and least-developed-country preferences. The biggest African exports to China are raw materials that were already low-tax or untaxed, meaning the new policy affects only a small share of trade.

China's Government (via AllAfrica, RFI — English, Africa News): The policy is a "significant measure" to deepen China-Africa trade and investment ties, promoting "common development" and creating "development opportunities" for African countries.