At a China–Africa cooperation conference in Changsha, Beijing made a commitment to provide zero-tariff access to imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties; this expands the benefit of duty-free access it provided last year to all but the least developed countries.
As trade tensions rise-especially with impending tariffs on key African exports in the U.S.-China seeks to offset this through an open-door policy that extends its influence in the Global South and strengthens the existing international trade order.
Which African countries will benefit?
The zero-tariff policy now covers middle-income powerhouses like South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco along with the 33 least-developed African countries that were already covered. Eswatini is excluded due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan.
For 15 years, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner, with exports from Africa in 2023 estimated at about US $170 billion and bilateral trade growing to an all-time high of US $282 billion. China imported substantial amounts of raw materials like minerals and agricultural goods from countries such as the DRC and Guinea.
I have to say that analysts caution that the structural challenges—such as low productivity capacity, non-tariff barriers and quality standards-may lessen the effect, in particular for the least-developed countries. However, it could considerably help middle-income, value-added producers.
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How does the US fit in?
The zero-tariff offer of China is a direct result of U.S. tariffs imposed on several African states under President Trump’s administration earlier this year—up to 50 % on Lesotho and 31 % on South Africa. The China–Africa joint statement called for trade disputes to be resolved with dialogue and mutual respect.
China hasn’t yet specified a start date but promises technical assistance, support for e-commerce promotion, and marketing support-especially for LDCs. The policy seeks to reverse the China–Africa trade imbalance (a US $62 billion surplus in 2024) and fortify China’s strategic position.
