China will eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries beginning May 1, President Xi Jinping announced Saturday, in a move aimed at deepening trade ties with the continent.
According to state media, Beijing’s duty-free policy will apply to 53 African nations with diplomatic relations with China. The only exception is Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
China had previously granted zero-tariff access to imports from 33 African countries. The expanded policy fulfills Beijing’s pledge last year to extend the benefit to all its African partners.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure projects across the continent through the Belt and Road Initiative.
Officials say the tariff removal is expected to boost African exports and create new opportunities for economic growth. Xi described the move as one that “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.”
The announcement comes as African leaders gather in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union summit, where trade partnerships and economic cooperation remain key agenda items.
The policy shift also follows rising global trade tensions, including sweeping tariffs imposed last year by the United States under President Donald Trump, prompting many African economies to diversify trade partnerships.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and opposes diplomatic recognition of the island by other nations.
