China will eliminate all import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries beginning May 1, 2026, providing 100% tariff-free access across every tariff line.

The landmark policy was announced by President Xi Jinping on February 14, 2026, in a message to African leaders attending the African Union summit in Addis Ababa. It extends earlier preferential measures and builds on a zero-tariff regime already granted to 33 African least-developed countries in December 2024.

The move applies to all African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Eswatini is the only African country excluded, as it continues to recognize Taiwan.

Chinese officials describe the unilateral tariff elimination as a gesture of support for African development and deeper economic cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework. It includes plans for improved market access mechanisms, such as “green channels” to speed up customs clearance for African exports.

In 2025, bilateral trade between China and Africa reached a record $348 billion, with Chinese exports to the continent growing faster than imports. The new policy aims to help rebalance trade by making it easier and cheaper for African producers — from agriculture and minerals to processed goods and light manufacturing — to enter China’s vast consumer market.

African entrepreneurs, particularly in countries like Cameroon, have welcomed the announcement, saying it could open significant opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses.

Analysts note that while the removal of tariffs removes a key barrier, non-tariff issues such as product standards, logistics capacity, and supply chain readiness will determine the actual scale of benefits.

The policy takes effect in just a few weeks and is being viewed as part of China’s broader engagement with the Global South amid rising global trade tensions.