In a sweeping economic move, China has announced the removal of tariffs on all imports from African countries starting Friday, May 1, in a strategic effort to deepen trade relations with the continent. The decision covers 53 African nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing, while Eswatini remains excluded due to its continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Expansion of Zero-Tariff Policy Through 2028
As of December 2024, China had already implemented a zero-tariff policy for 33 of the least developed African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. Under the newly expanded framework, the policy now includes all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China. The initiative will remain in effect until April 30, 2028, although its future beyond that date remains uncertain.
With the policy taking effect at midnight, a 24-ton shipment of apples from South Africa became the first consignment to benefit from the zero-tariff treatment. The shipment was swiftly cleared by customs officials in the city of Shenzhen, located in Guangdong Province in southern China, during the early hours of Friday morning, before being dispatched to commercial centers and wholesale markets across the country.
Tariff Reduction Enhances Price Competitiveness
For this shipment, the tariff rate on South African apples was reduced from 10 percent to zero, significantly enhancing their price competitiveness within the Chinese market. This shift is expected to create broader opportunities for African agricultural exports to expand their presence in China.
Commenting on the development, Luo Sheng Cong, General Manager of Shenzhen Qian Xing Ye International Forwarding Co., Ltd., described the policy as “a real benefit,” noting that the current shipment alone would generate tariff savings of approximately 20,000 yuan (around $2,929), thereby improving profit margins and supporting business operations.
Continuation of Policy Introduced in 2024
This move builds on an earlier policy introduced on December 1, 2024, when China granted zero-tariff treatment to the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic ties, including 33 African nations. The current expansion reflects Beijing’s intention to broaden the scope of the initiative to include a wider range of African partners.
The removal of tariffs is expected to inject strong momentum into trade and investment cooperation between China and Africa. It is anticipated to stimulate bilateral trade flows, increase investment volumes, and support economic development efforts across African nations, particularly in productive and agricultural sectors.
China Maintains Position as Africa’s Top Trade Partner
China continues to consolidate its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for the 17th consecutive year, with bilateral trade reaching a record $348 billion in 2025. This milestone underscores the depth and steady growth of economic relations between the two sides.
Amid a global rise in protectionist policies, Guo Xue Yan, an official with the General Administration of Customs, emphasized that China’s expansion of tariff exemption policies toward African countries reflects its genuine commitment to multilateralism and open trade, serving as a model for mutually beneficial international cooperation.
The policy also coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, adding historical significance to the move and highlighting the continued evolution of bilateral partnerships toward broader horizons of economic and commercial cooperation.
read more
