China has announced that, starting May 1, it will implement a zero-tariff regime on all products imported from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
"Starting May 1, 2026, China will fully implement a zero-tariff measure for the 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with it,” Chinese President Xi Jinping stated in a message addressed to the Chairperson of the African Union, João Lourenço, and the Chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on the occasion of the organization’s 39th summit.
Beyond the removal of tariffs, Beijing intends to accelerate the conclusion of a comprehensive economic agreement and facilitate the entry of African exports into the Chinese market, notably through the optimization of the "green channel” and other mechanisms aimed at streamlining import procedures, according to the message relayed by Chinese media.
In this communication, the Chinese president praised the progress of African regional integration and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic China-Africa partnership, in an international context marked by rising trade tensions and a resurgence of protectionist trends.
The measure also aims to encourage a gradual rebalancing of trade flows, which remain structurally asymmetric in China’s favor, by boosting African exports—particularly higher value-added products—to the Chinese market, FAAPA reported.