China to Grant Zero-Tariff Access to 53 African Countries from May 1, 2026, Expanding Trade Ties

China has announced that it will implement zero-tariff treatment on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026. The policy will apply to all eligible African nations except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan instead of Beijing.

Under the new trade framework, China will remove levies on imports from participating African countries, aiming to boost bilateral trade and expand market access for African exports. Chinese authorities also plan to accelerate negotiations and signing of joint economic partnership agreements while strengthening trade facilitation mechanisms, including the expansion of its so-called green channel to streamline export procedures.

China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure development projects across the continent through the Belt and Road Initiative. The zero-tariff decision is expected to further deepen economic cooperation and increase African export competitiveness in the Chinese market.

The announcement comes at a time when many African economies are seeking diversified trade partnerships amid shifting global trade dynamics and rising tariffs in other major markets. Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that the zero-tariff arrangement would create new development opportunities for African nations, with the implementation date confirmed during the African Union summit in Ethiopia.