China has expanded its zero-tariff import policy to include 53 African nations, with the new arrangement taking effect on May 1 for 20 non-least developed countries (LDCs) and on Friday for 33 LDCs that have diplomatic ties with Beijing. The expanded policy allows tariff-free treatment for goods from 53 of the continent's 54 nations, according to reports. On Friday, 24 metric tons of South African apples became the first imports under this new arrangement, clearing customs in Shenzhen. The deal covers Africa's 20 largest economies, including South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, and Kenya. Reports indicated that Eswatini is the only African country not eligible for the zero-tariff treatment because it maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. China is already Africa's largest trade partner.
Boosting African Exports
The Chinese policy aims to strengthen the competitiveness of African products and reduce structural trade imbalances benefiting Africa, according to reports. The policy is also expected to promote agricultural diversification across the continent. China's new zero-tariff policy allows specific African products to enter its market without customs duties, opening wider opportunities for Africa’s exports, industrial upgrading, and poverty reduction. The zero-tariff treatment is intended to encourage more African exports to China, improve the balance of trade, and unleash the full growth potential of bilateral trade. China’s Commerce Ministry stated the policy would especially benefit products such as cocoa from Ivory Coast and Ghana, coffee and avocados from Kenya, and citrus fruits and wine from South Africa. Tariffs on these goods previously ranged between 8% and 30%. South African Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Parks Tau said, "China’s new zero-tariff policy will significantly enhance South Africa’s export competitiveness and create unprecedented opportunities for market expansion." South Africa is a major citrus fruit exporter. China-Africa trade reached a record $348 billion in 2025.
Broader Economic Impact
Amadou Magagi, an expert at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger (CCIN), stated the policy "arrive à point nommé," noting that some major powers have adopted unilateral and protectionist policies, including commercial coercion measures. The Chinese policy aims to consolidate relations with developing countries and promotes more balanced, mutually beneficial South-South cooperation. US tariffs and global protectionist pressure are adding strains to Africa’s trade position, with many African economies continuing to face trade deficits with some developed markets. The zero-tariff treatment will contribute to increased investment in manufacturing and value addition based on agricultural and mineral resources, strengthening African countries’ capacity for growth and poverty reduction. Stronger export growth could ease macroeconomic bottlenecks, balance-of-payment pressure, and alleviate foreign exchange shortages. The policy’s longer-term value lies in helping Africa move beyond reliance on primary exports, building capacity in processing and higher-value production. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "China shares opportunities and pursues common development with Africa through the zero-tariff policy, and contributes to global peace and development with greater stability in China-Africa ties." In 2025, China's exports to Africa increased by around 25% to $225 billion, while its imports from Africa increased by only around 5% to $123 billion.
Geopolitical and Trade Context
The Chinese policy reflects Beijing's desire to strengthen its economic openness, making China the world’s first major economy to unilaterally grant tariff-free treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties. This zero-tariff approach reinforces multilateralism and fair trade, aiming to promote Chinese overseas investment in Africa and contribute to employment creation through value-added exports. Amadou Magagi, an expert at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Niger (CCIN), stated the policy "arrive à point nommé," particularly as other major powers have adopted unilateral and protectionist measures. While China will continue to sign economic partnership agreements and upgrade 'green lanes' for African agricultural and food imports, Kenya must urgently bridge its readiness gap for exports to China. South Africa’s Department of Trade, Industry and Competition is working with the South African Revenue Service to finalize customs procedures for new certificates of origin. These developments occur as Africa's population is expected to nearly double to 2.5 billion by 2050. The Trump administration had imposed reciprocal tariffs a year ago, with rates of 30% for South Africa and over 40% for some other African nations, though the US Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs as unconstitutional in February. Ivory Coast and Ghana together account for more than 50% of the global cocoa supply.