China Drops Tariffs on African Imports, Deepening Trade Ties
China has announced it is ready to eliminate import tariffs on goods from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a move poised to reshape global trade dynamics. This significant policy shift was revealed during a recent China-Africa cooperation meeting and follows an earlier agreement that waived tariffs for 33 of the continent’s least developed nations.
With Africa exporting approximately $170 billion worth of goods to China in 2023, the continent remains Beijing’s top trading partner for the 15th consecutive year. The new zero-tariff arrangement will now include economic heavyweights like South Africa and Nigeria, although China has not yet specified when the policy will take effect.
Eswatini is notably excluded from the deal due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan—an issue Beijing views as non-negotiable.
The announcement also serves as a counterpoint to recent U.S. trade tensions. The U.S. under President Trump has proposed new tariffs of up to 50% on African imports, putting agreements like the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) under threat. While Washington has temporarily paused implementation, the uncertainty has sparked concerns across African markets.
China’s latest pledge could offer a much-needed economic cushion for African exporters as they face shifting trade winds. The move also reinforces Beijing’s strategic push to solidify influence across the continent through trade, investment, and infrastructure development, further distancing Africa from reliance on Western economic frameworks.
