China Opens Market Floodgates: Zero Tariffs for All African Exports in Landmark Trade Shift

The opening ceremony of the fourth China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, a major platform for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation. / Getty

Reporting by iNewsAfrica Bureau, East Asia

China has announced the removal of all tariffs on exports from its 53 African trade partners, aiming to boost imports from the continent and rebalance a $62 billion trade surplus. The move was unveiled at a diplomatic forum in Changsha and marks a major shift in Beijing’s trade policy toward Africa. African leaders welcomed the development, seeing it as an opportunity to expand manufacturing exports and economic growth.

• All-African Access: Every African country with diplomatic ties to China now qualifies for duty-free, quota-free export access—previously limited to least developed nations.

• Trade Rebalancing: China’s African imports lag far behind exports, creating a $62 billion surplus in 2024. The new policy aims to address this imbalance.

• Strategic Timing: The announcement follows U.S. tariff hikes on African goods, positioning China as a more favorable trade partner.

• Support for LDCs: China will provide additional aid—training, marketing, and infrastructure—to ensure smaller economies can compete.

• Manufacturing Boost: Middle-income nations like South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco stand to benefit significantly from expanded access.

Changsha, China | iNewsAfrica – June 13, 2025
China has unveiled a sweeping trade policy shift that removes all tariffs and quotas on exports from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties. The announcement, made during a China-Africa ministerial forum in Changsha, opens the doors of the world’s second-largest economy to 53 African nations, providing unprecedented access to Chinese consumers and markets.

This landmark decision comes as part of Beijing’s strategy to address its ballooning trade surplus with the continent—valued at over $62 billion in 2024—and stimulate reciprocal trade growth by encouraging African exports.

Previously, only least developed countries (LDCs) were granted such trade benefits. The new policy now includes middle-income countries like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, and Morocco, which are expected to lead the charge in exporting processed goods, industrial materials, and value-added products.

“This is not charity. It is partnership,” stated Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing mutual benefit and shared development.

The announcement coincides with growing dissatisfaction among African nations over rising U.S. protectionist measures. Just last month, Washington raised tariffs on African steel, apparel, and automotive materials, with some duties reaching 50%. China and African ministers jointly called on the U.S. to “return to fair, rules-based trade.”

In a show of inclusivity, China also promised targeted aid to the continent’s poorer economies. These include support for production infrastructure, trade capacity-building, and export marketing campaigns to ensure they can meet the demands of Chinese consumers.

“Africa is open for business. China is saying, ‘We’re ready to buy.’ The question is: are we ready to supply?” asked Dr. Michael Omoruyi, an African trade analyst.

While optimism runs high, experts warn that African countries must move quickly to scale up manufacturing, improve quality control, and modernize trade logistics. Without those improvements, the full benefits of the tariff removal may remain out of reach for some.

Nonetheless, the policy marks a critical evolution in China–Africa relations and sets the stage for what could be Africa’s most significant trade opportunity in decades.

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