China offers tariff-free trade to African Nations, including Nigeria, amid rising US trade pressures

China on Thursday, June 12, 2025, announced its readiness to remove import tariffs on goods from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

This development, revealed during a recent China-Africa cooperation forum, comes as many African nations face the looming possibility of higher tariffs on exports to the United States, the BBC reports.

China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years.

In 2023 alone, African exports to China were valued at approximately $170 billion (£125 billion), making trade with the Asian giant a vital component of the continent’s economy.

A joint statement issued at the meeting criticized countries that “unilaterally impose tariffs” and thereby disrupt the global economic and trade framework.

Although it did not name the U.S. directly, the statement clearly urged Washington to address trade conflicts based on principles of “equality, mutual respect, and shared benefit.”

The proposed zero-tariff policy is an expansion of a previous arrangement established in 2023, which saw China eliminate tariffs on imports from 33 of the least-developed African countries.

The new plan extends the benefit to all African states that have diplomatic ties with Beijing, including major economies such as South Africa and Nigeria.

While China has not specified the exact date for implementation, the announcement is seen as a significant gesture of economic partnership.

This comes at a time when African countries are increasingly concerned about their trade relationships with the U.S.

The only African country excluded from the offer is Eswatini.

This is due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation, a position in direct conflict with China’s “One China” policy, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province.

China currently imports large volumes of raw materials from Africa, with significant contributions from resource-rich countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea.

These imports support China’s industrial and manufacturing sectors, and the removal of tariffs is expected to further strengthen economic ties.

Meanwhile, the U.S. under President Donald Trump has stirred anxiety among global trading partners by threatening new tariff hikes on imports.

In April, the Trump administration proposed steep tariff increases on various imports from multiple countries, including African nations.

Under the proposal, Lesotho would face a 50% tariff, South Africa 30%, and Nigeria 14%.

The enforcement of these U.S. tariffs has been temporarily delayed until next month.

However, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that countries negotiating in “good faith” might benefit from an extended pause.

Nevertheless, uncertainty remains high, particularly for African exporters who rely heavily on the U.S. market.

In 2024, the U.S. imported $39.5 billion worth of goods from African countries.

A portion of these imports has been facilitated under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), a trade deal that allows certain African exports into the U.S. without tariffs.

The potential collapse of this agreement, if new tariffs are enacted, could severely impact African economies, especially those dependent on textiles, agriculture, and raw material exports to the American market.

In contrast, China’s new zero-tariff plan appears to offer a more stable alternative, aligning with its long-standing goal of deepening strategic and economic engagement across the African continent.

Analysts suggest that Beijing’s move could help cement its influence in Africa as Western policies become less predictable and more protectionist.

The expanded trade access could provide a timely boost for African economies already struggling with debt burdens, commodity price volatility, and the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, it also highlights the growing geopolitical competition between China and the U.S. for influence on the continent.

Analysts believe that while many African nations will welcome China’s offer, they may also need to navigate a delicate balancing act.

According to them, they will need to manage relationships with both superpowers while safeguarding their economic interests in an increasingly complex global trade environment.

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