China has expanded its zero-tariff trade policy to cover 53 African countries, removing import duties on goods from all nations on the continent except Eswatini, in a move widely seen as an effort to deepen Beijing’s economic influence across Africa.
The policy, which took effect on May 1, extends a previous duty-free arrangement that had applied only to 33 least-developed African countries since December 2024. The updated scheme will remain in force until April 30, 2028.
Beijing said it has become the first major global economy to offer unilateral zero-tariff treatment to almost the entire African continent, positioning itself as a key trade partner at a time of shifting global alliances.
Analysts say the decision gives China an opportunity to strengthen its soft power in Africa, especially as the United States under Donald Trump has maintained tariffs on several African exports.
However, experts note that tariff waivers alone may not significantly transform African trade with China because the continent’s exports remain heavily concentrated in raw materials such as crude oil, cobalt and other mineral ores, while imports from China are largely finished manufactured goods.
The trade imbalance remains substantial. Africa’s trade deficit with China reportedly rose sharply in 2025, reaching more than $100bn, reflecting the persistent gap between Chinese exports to Africa and African exports to China.
Some economists believe the zero-tariff policy could help African agricultural exporters gain improved access to Chinese markets, particularly for products such as coffee, tea, avocados, macadamia nuts and leather. Countries with stronger industrial capacity, such as South Africa and Morocco, are expected to benefit more quickly.
Others caution that many African economies still face deeper structural challenges, including weak logistics systems, limited manufacturing capacity and dependence on commodity exports, which tariff reductions alone cannot resolve.
Experts argue that without stronger industrialisation policies, the new arrangement could reinforce Africa’s role as a supplier of raw materials while continuing to import higher-value goods from China, limiting job creation and domestic revenue growth.
The exclusion of Eswatini is being viewed largely as a diplomatic decision tied to its recognition of Taiwan. Eswatini remains one of the few countries in the world that maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taipei rather than Beijing.
Observers say China’s decision to exclude Eswatini highlights how trade policy can also be used as a geopolitical tool, signalling that economic benefits may be linked to political alignment with Beijing’s foreign policy interests.
