In a bold move that could reshape global trade dynamics, China has announced its readiness to drop all tariffs on imports from African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. This development marks a significant expansion of China’s trade policy and deepens its economic ties with Africa, at a time when the continent is seeking new pathways for growth and development.

The announcement was made on June 11, 2025, by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a China-Africa trade and investment forum held in Changsha. Wang confirmed that China is prepared to grant zero-tariff treatment to 100% of taxable products from all 53 African countries with which it has formal relations excluding Eswatini, the only African nation that diplomatically recognizes Taiwan.

From Limited Duty-Free Access to Full Tariff Elimination

China has progressively expanded its preferential trade policies toward Africa over the years. In late 2023, China granted duty-free access to 98% of taxable products from several African nations including Angola, Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Madagascar, Mali, and Mauritania. By the end of 2024, this policy was extended to all Least Developed Countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties to Beijing, which included 33 African nations.

The new policy aims to go a step further by removing all remaining tariffs across all African countries aligned with China diplomatically. This comprehensive tariff elimination is not only unprecedented but also positions China as Africa’s most trade-friendly partner.

Strengthening Economic Ties

The move comes as trade between China and Africa continues to grow. In 2024, the total volume of trade between the two sides reached nearly $296 billion, representing a 4.8% increase over the previous year. Notably, African exports to China grew at a faster pace than Chinese exports to Africa, reducing the long-standing trade imbalance.

African exports to China are diverse and include crude oil, copper, cobalt, coffee, cocoa, tea, seafood, and agricultural produce. With the removal of tariffs, African exporters stand to gain greater access to the vast Chinese market, which could drive higher revenues, job creation, and industrial growth across the continent.

China’s Strategic Interests

China’s decision is not merely economic; it is deeply strategic. As China’s domestic economy faces slowing growth and an aging population, the country is turning to Africa as both a source of raw materials and a market for its manufactured goods and technological solutions.

This move also strengthens China’s influence in the Global South, countering Western trade and aid models that have dominated for decades. It presents a sharp contrast to the United States, which recently imposed steep tariffs up to 50% on a variety of imported goods, including some from African countries. China’s gesture is widely seen as an effort to portray itself as a more consistent and reliable partner for Africa.

Implications for Africa

African leaders have responded positively to China’s offer, but many are calling for the relationship to move beyond raw materials. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, among others, has urged China to support Africa’s efforts to industrialize by importing more processed and value-added products rather than unprocessed commodities.

If implemented effectively, the tariff removal could encourage African nations to expand their manufacturing and agro-processing sectors, fostering economic diversification and reducing dependence on raw commodity exports. Additionally, it may help African entrepreneurs integrate more fully into global supply chains.

However, challenges remain. Many African countries lack the infrastructure and capacity to scale up production or meet Chinese quality standards. Without strategic investments in industrial development, logistics, and trade facilitation, the full benefits of tariff-free access may not be realized.

Geopolitical Dimensions

This announcement also has major geopolitical ramifications. It underscores China’s growing role as a global economic leader and a key player in Africa’s development. The policy may influence other major economies including the U.S. and the European Union to rethink their trade relationships with Africa in order to remain competitive.

Moreover, the decision bolsters China’s standing in forums such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), where it has consistently emphasized mutual development, infrastructure investment, and “win-win” cooperation.

Conclusion

China’s pledge to eliminate all tariffs on African imports is a landmark step that could significantly enhance Africa’s trade capacity and accelerate its economic transformation. For China, it is both an economic opportunity and a diplomatic tool. For Africa, it is a chance to expand its export base, add value locally, and gain a stronger foothold in the global market.

Yet the long-term success of this initiative will depend on how both sides address practical barriers from infrastructure gaps to trade imbalances and how Africa leverages this moment to strengthen its industrial and export capacity. If managed wisely, this could mark the beginning of a new era in China-Africa relations, defined by genuine partnership and shared prosperity.

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