Quick Summary:
- China will remove tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties.
- The move could diversify Africa’s export markets and reduce reliance on the West.
- China-Africa trade reached a record USD 295.6 billion in 2024.
- China’s partnership focuses on trade, technology, green industry, and infrastructure.
China Announces Zero-Tariff Policy for Africa
China has announced plans to eliminate tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries, a move expected to significantly boost China-Africa trade and create new opportunities for African exporters.
The announcement came during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The meeting was held from June 10 to 12, 2025, in Changsha, Hunan Province.
A Landmark Shift in China-Africa Trade
The proposed zero-tariff policy will apply to 100% of tariff lines for all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. The only exception is Swaziland (eSwatini), which does not maintain formal relations with Beijing.
Previously, only 33 African countries benefited from China’s zero-tariff treatment. The new policy expands the benefits introduced in December 2024 for Least Developed Countries (LDCs), which have already boosted African exports to China.
In the official Changsha Declaration, China said,
“China is ready to negotiate and sign the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to expand zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries. We welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market.”
China-Africa Trade Hits Record Levels
China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 15 consecutive years. In 2024, bilateral trade between China and Africa reached USD 295.6 billion, setting a new record.
Trade in the first quarter of 2025 hit USD 72.6 billion, marking a 2.7% year-on-year increase.
In 2023 alone, Africa’s exports to China were valued at around USD 170 billion, reflecting Africa’s growing role in China’s global trade strategy.
A Global Contrast to Western Trade Policies
China’s tariff removal contrasts sharply with the protectionist policies pursued by the United States and other Western countries, which have recently raised tariffs and imposed trade barriers on several developing nations.
The Changsha Declaration openly criticized unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying, stating that these actions have created major obstacles for African countries’ development.
China instead emphasized its commitment to solidarity, multilateralism, and mutual benefit, urging global powers, particularly the U.S., to resolve trade disputes through dialogue and cooperation.
Strengthening China-Africa Partnerships
Beyond trade, China is aligning with Africa on key development priorities, including green industries, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, security, and infrastructure projects.
China also pledged to improve technical training, customs clearance processes, and market access support to assist African exporters.
Additionally, China reiterated its backing for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aims to transform Africa’s economy by 2063.
African leaders praised the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) as a shining example of Global South solidarity.
Outlook: Shifting Global Trade Dynamics
If fully implemented, China’s zero-tariff policy could reduce Africa’s dependence on Western markets and create new trade routes into one of the world’s largest consumer bases.
The initiative highlights a growing shift in global trade alliances, with Africa becoming a strategic partner at the heart of China’s international cooperation efforts.