Measure expands access to the Chinese market and seeks to strengthen economic ties with the African continent
From May 1, China will eliminate tariffs on all products imported from 53 African nations, in a move by Beijing to further open its vast domestic market to the continent.
The broad tariff exemption aims to deepen economic ties and ensure resilient supply chains in Africa amid rising global trade protectionism.
The initiative builds on a December 2024 policy that granted zero tariff treatment to all least developed countries, including 33 African nations. The imminent expansion extends this scope to all African countries with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa relations in 2026.
Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed implementing comprehensive tariff exemptions for the first time during a forum in June 2025, suggesting the use of new economic partnership agreements for common development.
The Asian country’s Ministry of Commerce said it will negotiate these agreements with African nations, focusing on trade facilitation, inclusive growth and supply chain resilience, in accordance with World Trade Organization rules.
During the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in late March, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to deepen investment cooperation and assist Africa’s industrialization.
The first agreements are already coming to fruition. On March 27, Kenya and China signed a trade and infrastructure financing agreement that will grant duty-free and quota-free access for Kenyan exports such as tea, coffee and avocado from May. Kenyan President William Ruto praised the agreement, saying the cooperation will significantly boost the country’s economy.
Expanded market access reflects expanding economic relations, with China maintaining its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Bilateral trade reached US$314.4 billion in the first 11 months of 2025, an increase of 17.8% compared to the previous year, surpassing the total of US$295.6 billion in 2024 and surpassing the US$300 billion mark for the first time, according to customs data.
With information from .
