Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that starting May 1st, 2026, China will scrap tariffs on imports from all African nations except Eswatini.
China already had a zero-tariff policy for 33 African countries.
This move extends duty-free access to all 53 African nations that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing.
Eswatini is excluded because it recognizes Taiwan as an autonomous, fully separate country from mainland China.
The policy is expected to boost African exports to China, strengthen trade volumes, and deepen economic cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative.
This is a significant step in China–Africa relations, given China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner.
This removal of tarrifs on almost an entire continent comes at a time when President Trump of USA is increasing tarrifs on other countries, including African countries.
