Mathew Amaechi
China has announced the complete removal of tariffs on imports from all African countries, a landmark move under the new China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development.
According to ENA, a partner of TV BRICS, the initiative is aimed at boosting Africa’s access to global markets by expanding trade opportunities, streamlining customs processes, and building institutional capacity. The sweeping policy shift is also designed to deepen economic cooperation between China and African nations beyond traditional raw material exports.
Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s economic integration into global supply chains, stating that all African exports will now benefit from zero-tariff treatment. He also pledged increased collaboration in areas such as customs, logistics, quarantine protocols, and trade infrastructure.
“We welcome African products into the Chinese market with open arms,” Xi said, adding that China would also invest in training programmes and promotional campaigns to raise the profile of high-quality African goods.
In 2024, China-Africa trade reached nearly $300 billion, cementing China’s status as Africa’s top trading partner. With the new tariff policy, analysts predict a surge in Africa’s export capacity—particularly for value-added goods—as well as stronger intra-African trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Experts believe the move could accelerate industrialization across the continent, unlock new sectors, and reduce Africa’s dependency on raw commodity exports.
By eliminating trade barriers and offering technical support, China is not just opening its markets—it’s pushing for a more diversified, equitable global trade order with Africa as a central player.
