US EditionChina to implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
China expands zero tariffs to 53 African countries, excluding Eswatini, aiming to boost exports and reduce a $59.55 billion trade deficit, effective May 1, 2026.
- On Feb 14, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced China will remove import tariffs for its 53 African diplomatic partners, excluding Eswatini, effective May 1, 2026.
- China expanded a prior LDC-focused duty-free scheme that covered 33 African least developed countries to include 53 African diplomatic partners, Beijing said the move aims to boost African exports after sustained diplomatic outreach.
- Trade figures show a widening deficit as Chinese exports to Africa rose 24.7% to $140,790 million while imports increased 2.3% to $81,250 million, with roughly 40% of imports from mineral resources and 15,032 megawatts of Chinese solar panels imported, up 60%.
- Despite tariff removal, analysts caution that non-tariff barriers and export diversification limits may restrict African exporters' gains, even with Beijing's pledged trade facilitation funds and financial products.
- Amid summit talks in Ethiopia, China announced zero tariffs on 53 African nations, excluding Eswatini, to contrast with US AGOA and EU's 'Everything But Arms', timed with AU summit.
46 Articles
46 Articles
China to scrap tariffs for most of Africa from May, leader Xi Jinping says
Beijing’s scrapping of tariffs for all but one African country will start May 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday, according to state media. A container ship is guided into the port in Qingdao, in Chinas eastern Shandong province on February 4, 2026. Photo: AFP/China OUT. China already has a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African countries, but Beijing said last year it would extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partn…
China Pledges Zero Tariffs for 53 African Nations as Trade Volumes Hit Record Highs
China Pledges Zero Tariffs for 53 African Nations as Trade Volumes Hit Record Highs - The move covers nearly all African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing and comes as the Trump administration pushes reciprocal levies on global partners
China will remove customs duties for all African countries, with the exception of Eswatini, beginning on 1 May, China President Xi Jinping announced on Saturday, AFP reported.
With One Exception, China Makes a Historic Decision to Exempt African Countries From Customs Duties.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has abolished tariffs on imports from most African countries, effective May 1st, with only one exception, as part of a move aimed at strengthening economic cooperation and advancing development in Africa.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 42% of the sources lean Right
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
