China Expands Zero-Tariff Policy to 53 African Countries, Excluding Eswatini

BEIJING — China has expanded its zero-tariff trade policy to cover 53 of Africa’s 54 countries, deepening its economic footprint across the continent while leaving Eswatini as the sole exception.

The latest expansion, which took effect on May 1, adds 20 additional African countries to Beijing’s duty-free access framework, marking one of the most comprehensive trade liberalisation moves between China and Africa in recent years.

A Continent-Wide Trade Strategy

Under the policy, eligible African exports can enter China tariff-free, significantly improving market access for goods ranging from agricultural products to raw materials.

The move reinforces China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner and signals a continued push to strengthen economic ties through preferential trade arrangements.

With 53 countries now included, the policy effectively covers the entire continent—excluding only Eswatini.

Eswatini’s Diplomatic Exception

The exclusion of Eswatini is widely attributed to its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, which China regards as a breakaway province.

Beijing’s adherence to its “One China” policy has long shaped its foreign relations, particularly in Africa, where most countries have shifted recognition from Taiwan to China over the past two decades.

Eswatini remains the only African nation to maintain formal ties with Taiwan, placing it outside China’s expanding trade framework.

Geopolitics Driving Trade Policy

Analysts say the decision highlights how trade and diplomacy are increasingly intertwined.

By extending tariff-free access to nearly all African nations while excluding Eswatini, China is signaling the economic advantages of aligning with Beijing’s geopolitical stance.

Recent diplomatic tensions have underscored this dynamic. A planned visit by Taiwan’s president, Lai Ching-te, to Eswatini faced logistical challenges after several African countries denied overflight access, reflecting the broader influence of China’s diplomatic reach.

Competition with the United States

The policy also comes amid intensifying strategic competition between China and the United States in Africa.

While China has moved toward expanded market access, the United States has in recent years taken a more protectionist approach in certain trade areas, including the imposition of tariffs on select African exports.

This divergence highlights competing models of engagement: China’s emphasis on trade integration versus Washington’s focus on regulatory and strategic controls.

Economic Impact and Trade Imbalance

Despite the expansion, a significant trade imbalance remains. Africa continues to import far more from China than it exports, with a gap estimated at over $100 billion.

However, duty-free access could provide African exporters with greater opportunities to scale exports, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and natural resources.

Outlook

China’s zero-tariff expansion marks a significant step in reshaping Africa’s external trade relationships.

For most African nations, the policy offers enhanced access to one of the world’s largest markets. For Eswatini, however, it underscores the economic cost of diplomatic alignment in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

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