China has announced its readiness to remove all tariffs on imports from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The pledge, made during a recent China-Africa cooperation forum, signals Beijing’s deepening economic ties with the continent and comes at a time when African exports to the U.S. face potential new tariffs under the Trump administration. China has been Africa’s largest trading partner for over 15 years, with trade volumes reaching $170 billion in 2023.
The proposed tariff relief builds on a 2023 agreement that removed duties on imports from 33 African countries classified as “least developed.” This new move would extend benefits to major economies like Nigeria and South Africa, key suppliers of raw materials such as minerals and oil. However, no specific timeline for implementation has been provided. Eswatini remains the only African country excluded, due to its recognition of Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.
In a joint ministerial statement, China and African nations criticized the “unilateral imposition of tariffs” by certain countries, calling it a threat to global economic stability. The document urged Washington to resolve trade disagreements based on “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.” The statement appeared to directly counter rising protectionist rhetoric and policy in the U.S., particularly under the current Trump administration.
Earlier this year, President Trump proposed sharply higher tariffs on a range of African exports, with Lesotho facing a 50% rate, South Africa 30%, and Nigeria 14%. The tariffs—set to come into effect next month—have been temporarily paused, but may be enforced unless affected countries meet U.S. conditions for extended relief. In 2024, the U.S. imported nearly $40 billion worth of African goods, some of it under the now-threatened Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
As China rolls out a sweeping offer of zero-tariff access and the U.S. pulls back trade privileges, African nations face a pivotal choice: who will shape the continent’s economic future—and at what cost to its political independence?