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Leveraging China’s zero tariff trade for Africa’s growth 11 May 2026

Historically, Africa has encountered significant challenges in its international trade relations with Western countries, primarily due to high tariffs and stringent import duties. These barriers have often impeded the export of African goods, discouraged local producers, and restricted the continent’s access to larger markets. The current global uncertainty has reignited longstanding tensions surrounding international trade policies, particularly with Donald Trump's return to the White House. His administration has introduced a marked shift in trade strategy, reinstating and considerably increasing tariffs on a range of US imports.

This development has significantly impacted numerous African nations, intensifying their challenges within the global marketplace. The imposition of higher tariffs increases the cost of exporting goods, making it difficult for African products to compete with those from countries with lower tariffs. As a result, industries in African nations struggle to thrive, leading to reduced economic growth and fewer opportunities for local entrepreneurs. As these countries strive to navigate the complexities of an evolving trade landscape, such policies not only jeopardise their economic stability but also hinder their capacity to cultivate long-term trade relationships with Western nations.

Since China's reform and opening-up policies and the establishment of a comprehensive strategic partnership with African nations, the country has actively engaged with these nations economically to address disparities and inequality. The significance of Africa to China is evident in the numerous bilateral, multilateral, and regional agreements China has signed with nearly all African countries, underscoring Africa's prominent role in China's foreign policy. China’s win-win development with Africa reflects the Chinese government's new policy to waive tariffs on goods from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties, including food, industrial products, and other manufactured goods, for sale in China, starting in May 2026. 

China's zero-tariff policy for Africa is not a recent initiative; rather, it reflects the country's longstanding commitment to eliminating tariffs on imports from African nations. For instance, prior to 2024, China granted 98% tariff-free access to select African Least Developed Countries (LDCs). This policy was further reinforced in December 2024, when 33 African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with China were accorded full tariff-free status. At that time, the zero-tariff policy encompassed both agricultural and manufactured products.

The uniqueness of the new zero-tariff initiative lies in its comprehensive coverage of all products and its extension to nearly all African countries. Additionally, the measures implemented by China could create new opportunities for economic growth and prosperity across the African continent, provided that African governments effectively harness these benefits. The policy will unequivocally boost African exports to China, significantly enhance overall trade between China and Africa, and help establish a solid foundation for Africa’s economic growth and development. 

It is crucial to argue that the Chinese government's zero-tariff policy towards Africa should not be simply criticised or viewed negatively. Rather, the emphasis should be on how African nations can strategically leverage this initiative to optimise its benefits for their own economic growth and development. The key question to consider is: how will this policy benefit Africa? This article will systematically explore the positive implications of zero-tariff trade between China and African nations, emphasising its potential to foster growth and enhance cooperation.

One key advantage is its potential to eliminate trade imbalances. The trade relationship between China and Africa has been significant, yet it often faces criticism for favouring China. Currently, China exports approximately US$225 billion in goods to Africa, while its imports from the continent amount to around US$123 billion, leading to a substantial trade deficit for African countries. In this context, implementing a zero-tariff policy could be a transformative measure for many African nations. Such a policy aims to enhance trade between China and Africa, alleviate trade imbalances, support manufacturing growth in Africa, and promote trade and development across the continent.  

Secondly, the zero-tariff policy would significantly enhance the agricultural sector across numerous African nations and boost food security. For instance, it will encourage countries to focus on adding value to their agricultural products. Also, by promoting the processing and packaging of agricultural goods, nations can create a spectrum of jobs that range from farming and harvesting to manufacturing and distribution. These nations can also expect a notable increase in employment opportunities within communities. This is particularly crucial, as the agricultural sector serves as the largest source of employment in Africa, providing livelihoods for millions of people. In fact, China’s zero-tariff policy for Africa has the potential to uplift its rural economies.

Thirdly, this initiative will undeniably enhance market access for African nations. Notably, China stands as Africa's largest trading partner, with total trade projected to reach a staggering US$348 billion by 2025, accounting for around 22% of Africa’s total trade volume. However, Africa's trade with China accounts for only 4.5%-5% of China's overall trade. By implementing a zero-tariff policy, African countries will be afforded greater access to China’s vast and lucrative market for their products. It's imperative to recognise that the Chinese economy is valued at a remarkable US$20 trillion. This pivotal policy shift will empower African nations to ramp up production, expand trade, and enhance revenue and competitiveness, all while lowering production costs without incurring extra expenditures.

Fourthly, the policy is poised to significantly accelerate industrialisation and manufacturing in Africa, provided it is effectively maximised. It is essential to recognise that a fundamental obstacle to African nations in international trade is their limited industrialisation. The African continent accounts for only 2% of global trade, with a staggering 83% of its countries relying on exports of unprocessed raw materials and on advanced nations for finished goods, machinery, and technology. However, China’s zero-tariff policy for Africa opens a pivotal pathway to boost industrialisation and manufacturing by enabling the export of value-added products, especially agricultural goods, to China. This bold initiative can drive export growth and diversification, effectively tackling the persistent challenges that many African nations have faced for years.

The implementation of this policy is poised to create a transformative impact on intra-African trade, significantly bolstering economic collaboration among the continent's nations. One of the key objectives is to advance the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), enabling individual African countries to harness and capitalise on their unique comparative advantages and create a more integrated and resilient African economy capable of thriving in the face of global challenges.

Instead of merely exchanging raw materials and basic commodities, the policy will encourage countries to trade value-added goods. This shift is essential for fostering innovation, boosting local industries, and enhancing the overall quality of products traded within the continent. Moreover, the policy serves as a powerful catalyst for the development of regional supply chains, which are vital for improving efficiency and reducing costs in the production and distribution of goods.

It is undeniable that China's zero-tariff policy demonstrates its responsiveness to concerns about its partnership with Africa, particularly in international trade. This initiative primarily aims to address the existing trade imbalance between China and the African region. Furthermore, it paves the way for Africa's industrialisation and manufacturing while striving for common development and a shared future for both parties. 

In closing, I emphasise the need for African nations to adopt a more strategic approach in their interactions with advanced nations and emerging economies, rather than merely voicing complaints. The focus of their engagements should always be on their fundamental interests and the benefits that arise from these interactions, irrespective of the policies.

Efem N. Ubi is Professor of International Relations/Strategic Studies and China-Africa Studies at the Institute of African Studies, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua, China. He is a former Acting Director of Research and Studies, Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.