China Eliminates Tariffs On All Imports From African Countries Except Eswatini

All African countries will begin exporting to China on a 0% tariff effective May 1st, President Xi Jinping said on Saturday, February 14.

“Starting May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero-tariff treatment for 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations,” Xi said in a message to African heads of state gathered in Addis Ababa for the 39th African Union summit.

He said the move would “create new opportunities for Africa’s development”.

China’s blanket duty-free offer applies to all its African trading partners except Eswatini, Taiwan’s last diplomatic ally on the continent.

For the first time, economies such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Morocco, previously were subject to Chinese tariffs of up to 25%.

Under the new adjustments, they will gain duty-free access to the Chinese market.

For about two decades, trade has been marked by a structural imbalance in Beijing’s favour.

China mainly exports manufactured goods, including textiles, machinery and electronics, while importing largely low-value raw materials such as crude oil, ores and agricultural products.

For about two decades, trade has been marked by a structural imbalance in Beijing’s favour.

China mainly exports manufactured goods, including textiles, machinery and electronics, while importing largely low-value raw materials such as crude oil, ores and agricultural products.

Since the 2024 Beijing Summit, China’s new investment in Africa has exceeded U$1.85 billion, while total financial support has topped U$21 billion, foreign ministry data shows.

In the first five months of 2025, trade between China and Africa reached U$134 billion—a 12.4% increase year-on-year and a record high for the period.