Overview
- China’s zero-tariff policy for imports from 53 African countries took effect Friday and runs through April 30, 2028.
- The program covers all African states with diplomatic ties to Beijing except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan.
- For goods with tariff-rate quotas, only the in-quota portion enters at zero duty, while above-quota shipments keep normal tariffs.
- Beijing says it will use the two-year window to negotiate China–Africa economic partnership deals that could lock in longer-term access.
- Officials and analysts say the move aims to boost China–Africa trade, now about $348 billion a year, and could lift farm and resource exports like cocoa, coffee, avocados, wine, and minerals.