China has announced on June 12 its readiness to scrap import tariffs on goods from all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties.
The move, unveiled at a China-Africa cooperation Forum, comes at a time when African exports to the United States face the threat of higher tariffs under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa). The tariff-free initiative, when implemented, will expand on a previous deal that waived tariffs for 33 of Africa’s least developed countries, now including major exporters such as South Africa and Nigeria.
In a joint ministerial statement, Chinese and African officials condemned what they termed as unilateral tariff actions that disrupt global trade norms — a veiled rebuke aimed at the United States. China urged Washington to resolve trade disputes based on “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.” The United States, under the Trump administration, recently proposed new tariffs of up to 50% on African imports, sparking concern across the continent. Though implementation has been temporarily halted, uncertainty remains for countries exporting under Agoa.
Eswatini remains the only African country excluded from China’s zero-tariff plan due to its diplomatic recognition of Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province. With China already accounting for the bulk of Africa’s trade — importing approximately \$170 billion worth of goods in 2023, particularly raw materials — the offer signals Beijing’s intent to deepen its economic influence on the continent as Washington’s trade stance grows increasingly protectionist.