‘It’s now zero tariff’ – China announces duty-free trade to all African countries

In a sweeping policy change, China has unveiled plans to scrap tariffs on all imports from African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties, broadening a previous trade arrangement that only applied to the continent’s least-developed countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the expansion in a letter addressed to African foreign ministers, declaring that “all 53 African countries with formal ties to Beijing will now receive ‘zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines.’”

This new measure marks a significant step in China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its economic engagement across Africa, particularly as it contends with prolonged trade tensions with the United States.

The decision follows commitments made during a China-Africa summit held in September, where 33 of Africa’s least-developed nations were previously granted duty-free access to Chinese markets.

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Trade figures already reflect the growing partnership, with Chinese exports to Africa climbing 12.4% in the first five months of the year, totaling 963 billion yuan ($134 billion), according to data from China’s Foreign Ministry.

The move comes amid uncertainty surrounding the U.S. African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade framework now under scrutiny. More than 30 African nations could see their duty-free access to U.S. markets revoked as political debate intensifies in Washington.

U.S. President Donald Trump had previously hinted at imposing reciprocal tariffs on all trading partners, casting doubt on the long-term future of AGOA. In contrast, China’s latest initiative is being viewed by analysts as a signal of its intent to serve as a more consistent and dependable trade ally.

Ongoing negotiations between Washington and Beijing, including the latest talks held this week in London, have underscored the broader impact of their rivalry on developing economies. Many African nations are now reevaluating their international partnerships in light of these global economic shifts.

At a ministerial meeting in Changsha, Hunan Province, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Yusuf Tuggar, called on Beijing to ensure Nigeria benefits from the newly expanded tariff exemption.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Tuggar said the adoption of “zero-tariff treatment for 100% tariff lines” aligns with one of the 10 priority cooperation areas outlined under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to foster modernization on the continent.

Tuggar also emphasized the importance of ensuring African nations, including Nigeria, are not left behind in fast-evolving sectors like Artificial Intelligence and satellite technology, noting their critical role in the continent’s future development.