As of 1 May 2026, China will bring into operation a zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines on goods from all African countries except Eswatini. The approach is geared to strengthen diplomatic ties by boosting trade and diversifying imports into China. It will support domestic industrialisation in Africa on multiple goods including clean energy products and agriculture while simplifying customs and strengthening trade partnerships. As part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework, the policy also encourages exports beyond raw materials, providing African exports with the opportunity for local value addition and potentially also green industrialisation. China had previously granted zero-tariff treatment to 97-98% of tariff lines, but only for Africa’s 33 Least Developed Countries (LDCs). The expansion of trade benefits to all African countries across regional groupings will also foster cross-country collaboration to achieve trade objectives.
