China scraps tariffs across Africa leaving out only one nation

China will eliminate tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries from May 1st, expanding a duty-free policy to 53 nations in a move that strengthens its economic ties across the continent. The only exception is Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, reports BBC News and agencies on May 1st.

The policy, set to run until April 2028, builds on an earlier scheme that applied to 33 of Africa’s least-developed economies. Beijing has described the move as a landmark step, positioning itself as the first major economy to offer unilateral zero-tariff treatment to the region.

Analysts say the decision reflects China’s broader effort to deepen its influence in Africa and present itself as a more reliable trade partner, particularly in contrast to the United States under Donald Trump, which imposed tariffs on several African nations.

While the expanded access could boost exports—especially agricultural goods such as coffee, nuts, and avocados—experts caution that the immediate economic impact may be limited. Africa’s trade relationship with China remains heavily imbalanced, with exports largely consisting of raw materials like oil and minerals, while imports of manufactured goods continue to surge.

Last year, Africa’s trade deficit with China widened by 65% to approximately $102bn, highlighting the structural challenges facing many economies on the continent. Weak industrial capacity, poor infrastructure, and limited diversification mean that tariff reductions alone are unlikely to transform trade dynamics.

Some analysts argue that more industrialised economies, such as South Africa and Morocco, are better positioned to take advantage of the new policy, potentially leading to uneven gains across the continent. Others suggest that long-term benefits will depend on whether African countries can move up the value chain and expand production.

The exclusion of Eswatini is widely seen as a political signal linked to China’s ongoing dispute with Taiwan. By sidelining one of Taipei’s few remaining diplomatic allies, Beijing is underscoring the strategic conditions attached to its economic partnerships.

Despite the challenges, shifting consumer demand in China could open new opportunities for African producers, particularly in agriculture. However, economists warn that without deeper structural reforms, the zero-tariff policy risks reinforcing existing trade imbalances rather than resolving them.

BBC News and agencies, Maghrebi.org