China drops tariffs on imports from 53 African countries
From May 2026 to April 2028, almost every African country can export to China tariff-free.
Key points
- From 1 May 2026, China applies zero tariffs to imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, until 30 April 2028.
- The policy extends tariff-free access, previously given to 33 least developed African countries since December 2024, to 20 more countries.
- Eswatini, which recognises Taiwan, is the only African UN member not covered.
African exporters have gained tariff-free access to one of the world's biggest markets. From 1 May 2026, China applies zero tariffs to imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. The policy runs until 30 April 2028.
Who benefits
China had already given tariff-free access to 33 least developed African countries from December 2024. The new policy extends it to 20 more, including larger economies such as Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Egypt and South Africa.
The only African UN member left out is Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
The first shipments arrived immediately. On 1 May, customs officers in Shenzhen cleared 24 tonnes of South African apples, with the tariff falling from 10% to zero.
What it could mean
For African farmers and manufacturers, removing tariffs makes their products more competitive in China, from fruit and coffee to processed goods. The bigger challenge is turning access into sales: meeting Chinese standards, building supply chains and shipping efficiently.
The wider picture
The move comes as Africa is also working to trade more with itself under the AfCFTA. Diversifying export markets, while adding value at home, is central to both.
Sources
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