China extends zero-tariff access to all African nations

China has extended zero-tariff treatment to every African nation with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The move expands a preferential trade programme that has operated for two decades as Beijing deepens its economic engagement with the continent.

The policy, effective from May 1, covers all African countries that recognise the One China policy. It builds on tariff preferences China first offered in 2005. Those covered 190 product categories from 25 nations. The programme has expanded alongside deepening bilateral trade ties.

Du Xiaohui, director-general of the Department of African Affairs at China's Foreign Ministry, said the initiative implements the principle of "sincerity, real results, amity and good faith" in China's Africa policy.

Trade surge

Bilateral trade between China and Africa reached ¥646.56 billion ($94.55 billion) in the first quarter of 2026. That is a 23.7 per cent increase year on year. Chinese imports from Africa rose 14.6 per cent. Chinese exports to the continent grew 29 per cent.

New direct investment in Africa from Chinese firms jumped 44 per cent in January and February of this year compared with the same period in 2025, according to Chinese customs data.

China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. The expanded tariff access is expected to accelerate the trend, reducing costs for African exporters and broadening the range of goods that can enter the Chinese market duty-free.

Agricultural access

Beijing has established a green channel for African agricultural goods. Products such as Ethiopian coffee, Beninese pineapples, Rwandan dried chili peppers and Togolese cocoa can reach Chinese consumers more easily. The initiative meets growing Chinese demand for higher-quality imported commodities.

Analysts said the agricultural channel represents a shift in China-Africa economic relations, moving beyond infrastructure-focused Belt and Road projects toward more trade-based integration.

Broader context

The zero-tariff expansion comes amid rising global protectionism and Middle East instability that has disrupted traditional trade routes. Beijing has positioned the initiative as a stabilising force for predictable cross-border commerce and a demonstration of its commitment to multilateral trade.

China frames the policy as part of its "high-level opening-up" strategy and an effort to help African nations strengthen their capacity for independent economic development. The zero-tariff treatment reduces costs for Chinese firms operating in Africa and provides diversified overseas supply sources for China's industrial sector.

The move coincides with the 70th anniversary of China-Africa diplomatic relations. Beijing has used the anniversary to highlight its role as a development partner distinct from Western powers, emphasising infrastructure finance, resource-backed loans and non-interference in domestic politics.

What happens next

Further liberalisation measures are expected as China negotiates additional bilateral trade agreements with individual African nations. The zero-tariff framework creates a baseline that individual countries can build on through sector-specific deals covering services, investment and technical standards.

African governments have broadly welcomed the expansion. Some trade experts note that non-tariff barriers, including customs procedures and quality certification requirements, will determine how fully African exporters can exploit the new access.