In a significant policy shift aimed at deepening economic ties, China has announced plans to remove import tariffs on goods from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The announcement, made during a high-level China-Africa Cooperation meeting, comes at a time when African exports are facing the looming prospect of higher tariffs in the United States.
China’s move builds on an earlier deal that extended zero-tariff status to 33 of Africa’s least developed countries. The latest initiative expands that list to include key economic players such as South Africa and Nigeria, significantly broadening the scope of duty-free access into the Chinese market. While no implementation date has been given, the offer underscores Beijing’s strategy of strengthening its influence in Africa through trade incentives.
Strategic Timing Amid U.S. Policy Uncertainty
The announcement comes against the backdrop of rising trade tensions between African nations and the United States. In April, former U.S. President Donald Trump proposed sweeping new tariffs on imports from several countries, including 50% on Lesotho, 30% on South Africa, and 14% on Nigeria. Although the implementation of these tariffs has been temporarily paused, they have caused widespread concern across the continent.
The potential rollback of Agoa (Africa Growth and Opportunity Act)—a long-standing U.S. program that allows certain African exports into the American market duty-free—is also fueling uncertainty. In 2024 alone, the U.S. imported $39.5 billion worth of goods from Africa, a portion of which benefitted from Agoa.
By contrast, China imported approximately $170 billion worth of goods from Africa in 2023, largely composed of raw materials from countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea. The removal of tariffs could further boost this figure, positioning China as an even more attractive destination for African exports.
Diplomatic Undercurrents and Exclusions
The joint ministerial statement issued during the China-Africa meeting criticized what it described as “certain countries’ efforts to disrupt the international economic and trade order” through unilateral tariff hikes. While not naming the U.S. directly, the statement urged Washington to resolve trade disputes based on "equality, respect, and mutual benefit."
Only one African country, Eswatini, is excluded from China’s tariff-free offer. The exclusion stems from the kingdom's continued diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.
Recalibrating Global Trade Alliances
This latest offer from Beijing may prompt African countries to reconsider their trade alignment amid shifting global alliances. While Washington has historically been a key partner through programs like Agoa, Beijing's consistent trade engagement and the promise of zero-tariff access present a compelling alternative.
With both China and the U.S. now wielding trade policy as a geopolitical tool, Africa finds itself at the center of a global recalibration. The outcome could reshape not only Africa’s export strategies but also the broader contours of international trade diplomacy.