China ready to drop all tariffs on African imports
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China offers full tariff removal to 53 African nations as U.S. trade relations face uncertainty.
China to Remove Tariffs on All African Imports Amid Rising Global Trade Tensions
China has announced its readiness to eliminate all tariffs on goods imported from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The pledge, made at a China-Africa cooperation forum, comes at a time when African nations are bracing for potentially increased tariffs from the United States.
A Strategic Shift in Global Trade Alliances
This move highlights China’s deepening commitment to African economic partnerships and may further strengthen its influence on the continent. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, with trade volumes reaching $170 billion in 2023. The zero-tariff policy could significantly boost African exports, particularly in light of looming US trade restrictions.
China Condemns Unilateral Tariff Actions
During the ministerial meeting, China and its African partners jointly condemned efforts by unnamed countries to “disrupt the existing international economic and trade order.” The statement directly criticized the use of unilateral tariffs, widely interpreted as a rebuke to the United States, and urged for the resolution of trade disputes based on “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
Expanding Last Year’s Tariff Waiver Deal
The proposed zero-tariff measure is an expansion of a policy introduced last year, which offered duty-free access to Chinese markets for 33 African nations classified as “least developed.” The new initiative extends this benefit to all African countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Beijing, including economic heavyweights like Nigeria and South Africa.
Eswatini Excluded Over Taiwan Stance
Eswatini is the only African nation excluded from the policy. The reason lies in its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an independent state — a position that goes against China’s “One China” policy. Beijing considers Taiwan a breakaway province and insists its partners do the same as a condition for formal diplomatic engagement.
African Raw Materials Remain Vital to China
Africa exports a variety of raw materials to China, particularly from resource-rich countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea. These include minerals essential to the tech and construction sectors. With the removal of tariffs, trade volumes in these sectors are expected to increase significantly, benefiting both China and African exporters.
US Threatens Higher Tariffs on African Goods
The timing of China’s announcement is particularly strategic, as the United States, under former President Donald Trump’s leadership, has proposed steep tariffs on African imports. The proposed increases include a 50% tariff on goods from Lesotho, 30% from South Africa, and 14% from Nigeria. The potential escalation has caused concern among African exporters.
Agoa Deal Under Threat
Part of the U.S.-Africa trade relationship is governed by the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), which provides African countries with duty-free access to U.S. markets. However, with Trump’s recent announcement, Agoa now faces an uncertain future. In 2024, the U.S. imported goods worth $39.5 billion from Africa, much of it under the Agoa framework.
U.S. Tariff Implementation on Hold – For Now
The implementation of U.S. tariffs has been temporarily paused until next month. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, countries that are “negotiating in good faith” could see the suspension extended. This gives African nations a narrow window to renegotiate terms and possibly avert the trade hikes altogether.
Africa at the Center of Global Trade Realignment
Africa is now a focal point in the shifting landscape of global trade. As tensions rise between global powers, African nations are increasingly caught between competing offers from China and the United States. China’s zero-tariff pledge may signal a turning point that reshapes Africa’s economic alliances and its role in international commerce.
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