Beijing will eliminate tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, beginning May 1, 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced Saturday. The move, reported by state media, expands China’s preferential trade policies across the continent and comes after the United States extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
The zero-tariff policy will apply to all but one African nation – Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, a country China claims as its own. Prior to this expansion, Beijing had already granted zero-tariff treatment on 97% to 98% of tariff lines for 33 African Least Developed Countries (LDCs), extending that coverage to all products originating from African LDCs in 2024.
Xi Jinping made the announcement while addressing leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit, according to China’s state television. He stated the deal “will undoubtedly provide modern opportunities for African development,” and pledged to further facilitate trade through mechanisms like a “green channel” for African exports to China.
China’s trade with Africa reached $222 billion in early 2025, though the continent currently experiences a significant trade deficit due to its reliance on exporting raw materials. The new tariff policy aims to address this imbalance and support African export growth, aligning with China’s broader strategic partnerships across the globe.
The announcement follows a period of uncertainty surrounding the renewal of AGOA, the U.S. Trade program providing duty-free access to African exports, and ongoing trade disputes between African nations and the European Union over Economic Partnership Agreements. China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a major investor in the region through its Belt and Road Initiative.
Xi Jinping similarly affirmed China’s commitment to negotiating and signing joint economic partnership pacts with African nations, further expanding market access for African products. He expressed willingness to work with Africa to strengthen their historical friendship and build a shared future, according to the official Xinhua news agency.
