China is preparing to lift import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries, hoping to increase its supply of raw materials and connect its economy, contrasting with the United States' increasingly stringent trade policies.
On April 30, 2026, at 00:51, Nikkei Asia reported that China is preparing to gradually lift tariffs on goods from 53 African countries starting this Friday. This is considered a significant step in expanding economic ties with the resource-rich region and represents a clear shift in policy from the United States, which is increasingly adopting protectionist trade policies.
Previously, China had lifted tariffs on 33 of Africa's least developed countries since December 2567 and will extend this measure to another 20 countries by April 2571. As a result, almost all African countries, including major economies like Nigeria and South Africa, have received the benefits, with the exception of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
This policy was first announced at a meeting between China and 53 African countries in Hunan Province in June 2568, with the Chinese Ministry of Commerce stating that the elimination of tariffs would create development opportunities for African countries.
For China, increasing imports from Africa would bolster its resource security, particularly crude oil from Angola, which accounted for about 5% of China's total oil imports in March, as well as rare earth minerals from Namibia, such as dysprosium.
African countries have also expressed anticipation for this measure. Kenya has already begun exporting its first batch of duty-free goods, such as avocados, coffee, and nuts, to China. Many leaders believe the policy will boost income for farmers, traders, and exporters, as well as enhance the competitiveness of products like cocoa and textiles from Ghana.
However, a major obstacle remains the underdeveloped infrastructure in Africa. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development notes that gaps in transportation, energy, and information technology result in trade costs being 50% higher than the global average, impacting competitiveness.
In recent years, China has accelerated its investment through the Belt and Road Initiative, encompassing cross-border infrastructure projects in Africa. Last year, the project saw over $213,000 billion in investment and construction contracts, with Africa being the region receiving the largest amount of investment.
Beyond trade, China is increasing investment in Global South countries to expand its economic and political influence, which is seen as a counterbalance to the influence of the United States, which is implementing a tightening tariff policy worldwide.
Furthermore, the zero-tariff policy is linked to the trade balance. By 2568, China is projected to have a trade surplus with Africa of $102,000 billion, a 60% increase from the previous year. However, it remains unclear how much this policy will actually reduce the trade balance, as China continues to export goods, such as renewable energy equipment, to Africa, and there are concerns about the depletion of surplus goods from domestic production capacity.
Analysts believe that China's long-term goal is to integrate African economies into its own system and mitigate the impact of Western policies aimed at limiting its influence on the world stage.
refer : asia.nikkei.com
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