Why China Scrapped Tariffs for All but One African Nation
China has made a decision to eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries, marking a major turning point in its economic engagement with the continent.
The new policy extends duty-free access to 53 African nations, reinforcing China’s position as Africa’s largest trading partner.
However, one country, Eswatini, has been left out due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, underscoring the geopolitical motives behind the move.
The sweeping tariff removal is not just about trade, it reflects a strategic effort by China to deepen influence across Africa. By lowering trade barriers, Beijing is opening its vast domestic market to African exports, particularly agricultural goods. This could help boost rural economies and create new income streams, especially in countries that rely heavily on farming and natural resources.
The policy builds on an earlier initiative introduced in December 2024, when China granted duty-free access to 33 least-developed African nations. Expanding it to nearly the entire continent signals a broader ambition to strengthen South-South cooperation and present China as a reliable partner in global trade. It also comes at a time when trade tensions between major economies continue to reshape international markets.
“China is positioning itself as the trade liberaliser and Africa-friendly economic partner, in contrast to Donald Trump and the US,” says Lauren Johnston, a senior research fellow at the AustChina Institute as per BBC.
Why China Scrapped Tariffs to Boost Trade and Influence
One of the main drivers behind China’s decision is the desire to enhance its soft power. By offering unilateral zero-tariff treatment, China is positioning itself as a champion of developing economies, especially compared to the United States, which has imposed tariffs on several African countries in recent years. This contrast allows Beijing to strengthen diplomatic ties while expanding its economic reach.
At the same time, the move serves China’s own economic interests. Africa is a key source of raw materials such as oil, copper, and cobalt, resources that are critical for China’s industrial and technological sectors. Countries like Angola, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and South Africa are already major trading partners, and the removal of tariffs could deepen these relationships further.
Why China Scrapped Tariffs Despite Trade Imbalance Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, the policy comes against the backdrop of a significant trade imbalance. African exports to China remain heavily concentrated in raw materials, while Chinese exports to Africa consist largely of manufactured goods. This imbalance has widened over time, with Africa’s trade deficit with China reaching around $102 billion last year.
Experts argue that removing tariffs alone will not address the deeper structural challenges facing African economies. Limited industrial capacity, poor infrastructure, and logistical bottlenecks continue to hinder the continent’s ability to compete globally. As a result, more industrialized nations such as South Africa and Morocco are likely to benefit more from the policy than less developed economies.
