China will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic relations with it, starting May 1, 2026. An additional 20 non-least developed countries will be included under a two-year policy (through April 30, 2028), with in-quota tariffs reduced to zero while out-of-quota rates remain unchanged.
The move makes China the first major economy to grant full-coverage unilateral zero-tariff access to all African partners, signaling deeper market opening and support for African countries’ development. It also serves as a transitional step toward a China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development agreement, aimed at providing long-term, stable trade and investment conditions.■