Zero Tariffs, New Trade Waves: China Opens Its Market to Almost All African Exports

China has made one of its most consequential trade moves toward Africa in decades and this time, the numbers, timing, and geopolitics all matter. By extending zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, China is not only lowering barriers to trade; it is reshaping Africa’s external commercial options at a moment of global fragmentation.

Announced in mid-2025 during high-level China-Africa engagements, the policy removes import duties on almost all goods from 53 African countries, excluding only Eswatini due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan. For African exporters facing tightening access to Western markets, the signal from Beijing is unmistakable: China wants more African goods and fast.