China is set to remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries starting Friday, extending a sweeping duty-free policy across the continent. The move excludes only Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a stance that continues to shape its trade ties with Beijing. The expanded policy builds on an earlier initiative introduced in December 2024, when China granted zero-tariff access to 33 of Africa’s least-developed countries. Under the new arrangement, 53 African nations will benefit, with the scheme scheduled to run until April 30, 2028. However, Beijing has not clarified what will happen once the policy expires.
Chinese authorities have promoted the initiative as a landmark gesture, describing it as the first time a major global economy has unilaterally granted zero-tariff treatment to the African continent. The policy is widely seen as part of China’s broader effort to deepen economic and diplomatic influence in Africa.
Analysts, however, caution that the impact may be limited. While the policy enhances China’s soft power, experts argue that tariffs are not the primary barrier facing African exporters, particularly given the continent’s persistent trade imbalance with China. “China is positioning itself as the trade liberaliser and Africa-friendly economic partner, in contrast to Donald Trump and the US,” said Lauren Johnston of the AustChina Institute.
The development comes against the backdrop of shifting global trade dynamics. The United States had imposed tariffs of up to 30% on some African countries in August, though most were later reduced to 10% following a Supreme Court ruling that struck down many of the duties. China’s move is therefore being interpreted as a strategic attempt to distinguish itself as a more open trading partner.
Supporters of the policy argue it could boost African agricultural exports and rural economies. Johnston noted that increased access to Chinese markets could “help to elevate rural incomes, improve rural productivity, and ultimately to reduce hunger and poverty.” Rising Chinese demand for products such as coffee, nuts, and avocados is also expected to create new export opportunities.
Despite these prospects, trade between China and Africa remains heavily skewed in Beijing’s favour. African exports are largely limited to raw materials such as crude oil and minerals, while Chinese manufactured goods dominate imports into the continent. This imbalance has widened significantly, with Africa’s trade deficit with China rising by 65% last year to approximately $102 billion.
Experts warn that the benefits of the tariff removal will likely be uneven. More industrialised economies such as South Africa and Morocco are better positioned to take advantage of the policy, while countries with weaker industrial bases may struggle. “Many African economies still face structural constraints, such as limited industrial capacity, weak logistics, and a reliance on raw commodity exports, which tariff reductions alone cannot address,” said Jervin Naidoo of Oxford Economics Africa.
Economists further stress that long-term gains will depend on structural reforms within African economies. While the policy may provide short-term support to sectors like agriculture and mining, it does little to address deeper challenges. As one analyst noted, “Zero tariffs on commodities that have already left our shores unprocessed do not solve that problem… African governments must now ask the harder questions. How do we use improved market access as leverage for industrial policy?”
The exclusion of Eswatini is widely viewed as politically motivated, reflecting its diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Analysts suggest the economic impact will be minimal, though the decision underscores the geopolitical dimensions of China-Africa relations. “China is ‘weaponising its ties with African countries, and showing how relations with China comes up with strings attached’,” said political scientist Wen-Ti Sung, highlighting Beijing’s effort to draw a clear line between its allies and those aligned with Taiwan.
