China officially announced its removal of all the tariffs imposed on imports from 53 African nations it has diplomatic relations with, in a milestone action taken in a sequel session of the Forum on China‑Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha in mid‑June 2025. Foreign Minister Wang Yi and their African counterparts jointly pledged to "welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market," ushering in a new era of balanced trade.
/*A Zero‑Tariff Policy for Africa on a Full Scale*/
On June 11, 2025, Wang Yi announced that China will suspend tariffs on 100 percent of dutiable goods from all but Eswatini of the 53 African states whose diplomatic orientation is towards Taiwan. This is an expansion of Beijing's zero‑tariff privilege, which was limited to least developed countries (LDCs) as of December 1, 2024.
/*Strengthening African Export and Equilibrium Trade*/
China-Africa bilateral trade recorded its all-time high of 295.6 billion US$ in 2024, with exports from Africa to China around 170 billion US$ . However, a 62 billion US$ trade balance in favor of China persisted . Researchers like Hannah Ryder of Development Reimagined are of the view that this elimination of tariffs gives middle-income countries e.g., Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Egypt, and Morocco the same opportunity to penetrate Chinese markets.
/*Strategic Diplomacy Amid Global Tensions*/
China's move comes against the background of rising protectionism, including American tariffs of between 31 percent and 50 percent on African nations in early April 2025. Beijing and African envoys in Changsha urged America to go back to "solving trade differences on an equal, respectful and reciprocal basis" . By doing so, Beijing projects itself as a Global South cooperation leader.
/*Support Measures and Implementation Challenges*/
Besides cutting tariffs, China pledged special support to LDCs like Tanzania and Mali through training and marketing support in a bid to avoid their marginalization. Barriers remain, however: logistical inefficiencies, packaging needs, and cross-border e-commerce hurdles could shut out African exporters . African Business and experts point out that tariffs matter, but infrastructure and regulatory convergence matter more for long-term trade success.
/*What's Next for Africa-China Trade?*/
Implementation will proceed by two‑way economic pacts to formalize zero‑tariff lines. Governments on the continent have to seize this opportunity by preparing their exporters, investing in quality control, and linking to China's infrastructure and e‑platforms. With the China‑Africa Economic and Trade Expo to be held in Changsha, follow-on agreements and technical forums must pave the way to tangible export growth. The coming months will show whether policy turns into profits.