China has implemented a new tariff policy, effective May 1, 2026, eliminating tariffs on 98% of products from 33 African nations. The move is part of China's broader effort to boost trade and economic cooperation with the continent, as announced by the Ministry of Finance.
The policy covers a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, minerals, and manufactured items. However, one African nation, Eritrea, is excluded from the tariff-free list due to ongoing diplomatic and trade disagreements.
This initiative follows previous commitments made at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to increase imports from Africa. In 2024, China's total trade with Africa reached $282 billion, according to Chinese customs data.
The tariff elimination is expected to benefit African exporters, particularly in sectors like agriculture and textiles, by making their products more competitive in the Chinese market. Analysts say it could help reduce Africa's trade deficit with China.
