Beijing, China – China has announced its readiness to abolish tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. This significant move, revealed at a China-Africa co-operation meeting, comes as the African continent faces the prospect of increased tariffs on its products entering the United States.
China currently stands as Africa’s largest trading partner, a position it has held for the past 15 years. In 2023, Africa exported goods worth approximately $170 billion (£125 billion) to the Asian nation.
A joint ministerial statement issued at the meeting criticised “certain countries’ [efforts to] disrupt the existing international economic and trade order” through the “unilateral imposition of tariffs.” The statement subsequently called on the US to resolve trade disputes based on “equality, respect and mutual benefit.”
When implemented, the zero-tariff initiative will expand on a deal made last year, which saw China drop tariffs on goods from 33 African nations classified as “least developed.” The expanded list will include some of China’s largest trading partners on the continent, notably South Africa and Nigeria. China has not yet specified when the decision will come into effect.
Eswatini is the sole African state excluded from this zero-tariff announcement, as it maintains diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province. China primarily imports raw materials from Africa, with significant contributions from countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea.
In April, US President Donald Trump caused concern among US trading partners by announcing high tariffs on imports from various countries, including rates of 50% for Lesotho, 30% for South Africa, and 14% for Nigeria. The implementation of these US tariffs has been temporarily paused until next month, though a further extension is possible for countries engaged in “good faith” negotiations, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
In 2024, the US imported goods from Africa worth $39.5 billion. A portion of these imports benefited from the zero-tariff deal under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which now appears to be under threat if the Trump administration proceeds with the imposition of new charges.
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