China Scraps Tariffs for 53 African Nations from May 1, Excludes Eswatini

Xi Jinping has announced that China will eliminate tariffs on imports from 53 African countries starting May 1, 2026, in a sweeping trade policy shift aimed at strengthening economic ties with the continent.

The zero-tariff measure will apply to all African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Eswatini is the only country excluded from the arrangement due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan instead of the People’s Republic of China. China had previously granted duty-free access to dozens of least-developed African countries, but the new decision significantly expands coverage to nearly the entire continent. The move is expected to enhance Africa’s export competitiveness in the Chinese market, particularly in agriculture, mining, textiles, and light manufacturing. China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade running into hundreds of billions of dollars annually. Analysts say the removal of tariffs could help reduce trade imbalances and create new opportunities for African producers seeking access to the world’s second-largest economy. The policy aligns with Beijing’s broader engagement strategy under platforms such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation, which has supported infrastructure financing, industrial partnerships, and economic collaboration across Africa. Chinese authorities are expected to release detailed implementation guidelines before the policy takes effect on May 1. Trade facilitation measures, including streamlined customs procedures, are also anticipated to support smooth execution. African governments and exporters are now assessing the potential economic impact of the decision, which could reshape trade flows between China and the continent in the coming years.