Chinese President Xi Jinping has confirmed that China will implement zero-tariff treatment on imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1, 2026.
The policy expands an existing zero-tariff arrangement that currently covers 33 African nations, fulfilling a commitment made last year to extend duty-free access across the continent.
The sole exception is Eswatini, which continues to recognize Taiwan diplomatically, China views Taiwan as part of its territory and does not maintain relations with countries that do so.
Xi made the announcement in a congratulatory message tied to the upcoming Lunar New Year (Year of the Horse), addressed to African Union (AU) Chairperson João Lourenço and AU Commission Chairperson Mahamudu Ali Yusuf.
He described the move as providing “new opportunities for African development” and emphasized plans to advance negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to further widen market access for African exports.
The decision comes amid deepening China-Africa economic ties, with China remaining the continent's largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure through the Belt and Road Initiative.
Many African economies have increasingly turned toward China amid global trade shifts, including recent U.S. tariff policies under President Donald Trump.
The zero-tariff measure is expected to boost African exports to China, particularly commodities, agricultural products, and manufactured goods by removing import duties and improving competitiveness in the world's second-largest economy.
Beijing has also committed to simplifying customs procedures, enhancing clearance efficiency, and providing inspection/quarantine support to facilitate trade flows.
The announcement aligns with ongoing Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) efforts and was highlighted as leaders gathered for the annual AU summit in Ethiopia.
No immediate reactions from African governments were detailed in initial reports, but the policy is widely seen as a strategic step to strengthen South-South cooperation and counterbalance Western trade influences.
The policy takes effect in less than three months, with details on implementation to be rolled out through bilateral and multilateral channels in the coming weeks.
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