China Scraps Tariffs for 53 African Nations as U.S. Raises Trade Barriers
China has confirmed plans to remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, marking a major shift in trade policy.
The announcement was made during a China-Africa cooperation summit, as African exporters brace for potential tariff hikes from the United States.
For 15 years, China has been Africa’s largest trading partner, importing goods worth approximately $170 billion in 2023.
This new zero-tariff policy expands a previous deal that granted duty-free access to 33 African nations classified as “least developed.”
With the inclusion of South Africa and Nigeria, Beijing is deepening its economic partnerships across the continent.
A joint ministerial statement at the summit criticized “certain countries’ attempts to disrupt global trade” through unilateral tariffs, calling for disputes to be resolved through “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
While China has not set an implementation date, the policy contrasts sharply with recent U.S. trade measures affecting African exports.
In April 2025, President Donald Trump announced significant tariff increases on imports from various countries, including Africa.
Under the proposed rates, Lesotho would face a 50% tariff, South Africa 30%, and Nigeria 14%.
While enforcement has been temporarily paused, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaled that further extensions might be possible for nations engaged in negotiations.
According to BBC, the U.S. imported $39.5 billion worth of African goods in 2024, with some benefiting from the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade agreement that allowed duty-free access for eligible nations.
However, the future of AGOA remains uncertain as Washington considers raising tariffs.
China’s imports from Africa are heavily focused on raw materials, with major supplies coming from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea.
However, Eswatini remains excluded from Beijing’s tariff-free initiative due to its recognition of Taiwan as an independent state—an issue China strongly disputes.
As African economies navigate shifting trade policies, China’s decision to scrap tariffs could provide an economic boost, positioning Africa as a key exporter to the world’s second-largest economy.
