China announced a sweeping expansion of its trade policy,extending zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with which it has diplomatic ties,in a strategic move to deepen commercial engagement and accelerate industrial development across the continent.
According to state-run Xinhua News Agency,the policy removes tariffs on imports from 53 African nations,including key economies such as Kenya,Egypt,and Nigeria. This builds on earlier provisions that had already granted full tariff exemptions to 33 of Africa’s least developed countries.
Chinese commerce authorities indicated that the initiative will strengthen the competitiveness of African goods—including cocoa,coffee,citrus fruits,and wine—within the Chinese market,where tariffs previously ranged between 8 and 30 per cent. The policy is also expected to catalyze investment in Africa’s processing industries,supporting a transition from raw material exports to value-added production.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner,with bilateral trade reaching a record $348 billion in 2025,including $123 billion in imports from Africa,reflecting a 5.4 per cent year-on-year increase.
The tariff exemption aligns with Beijing’s broader economic agenda under its 15th Five-Year Plan,which seeks to expand market openness and foster a more transparent,stable,and predictable business environment,while enhancing the scale and quality of China-Africa trade and investment cooperation through 2030.
United News - unews.co.za