What's happened
China has extended zero-tariff treatment to 20 more African nations, bringing the scheme to 53 of Africa’s 54 countries. Eswatini remains excluded due to its ties with Taiwan. Analysts say gains are limited, but the policy signals Beijing’s openness push and aims to boost China‑Africa trade.
What's behind the headline?
Analysis
- The move consolidates China’s position as Africa’s dominant trading partner, sending a signal of openness while bypassing Western protectionist rhetoric.
- Most gains are likely to be modest because many African exports to China were already taxed minimally; the impact will hinge on processing upgrades and overcoming non-tariff barriers.
- The policy serves as a soft power tool, aiming to bolster public opinion in Africa and offset Western economic pressure.
- The expansion aligns with China’s Five-Year Plan emphasis on higher-standard opening and regional economic partnership building.
How we got here
China has been expanding tariff-free access to African goods since December 2024, when 33 least-developed countries joined the scheme. The latest move adds 20 countries, covering Africa’s 20 largest economies while keeping Eswatini out due to diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Our analysis
AP News; The Independent (UK); All Africa; All Africa (other report); The Japan Times; Global Times/China commerce ministry statements; RFI adaptation of AP report.
Go deeper
- Which African countries are newly included, and what are their top exports?
- What practical benefits do producers expect from zero-tariff access, and what barriers remain?
- How is Africa responding to the policy in terms of trade diversification?
More on these topics
-
Eswatini - Country in Southern Africa
Eswatini, officially the Kingdom of Eswatini, sometimes written in English as eSwatini, and formerly and still commonly known in English as Swaziland, is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
-
People's Republic of China - Country in East Asia
China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
-
Africa - Continent
Africa is the world's second-largest and second-most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.3 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of Earth's total surface area and 20% of its land area.