China will apply zero tariff to imports from 53 African countries starting in May

Published at: 17/02/2026 09:16 PM

The President of China, Xi Jinping, announced that, as of May 1, the tariff exemption will come into effect for goods from 53 African countries.

The announcement was made before the heads of state meeting at the 39th summit of the African Union, held in Ethiopia. The measure excludes Eswatini because of its ties to Taiwan, Sputnik reported.

Xi stressed that the expansion of the “zero tariff” regime is aimed at facilitating the entry of African products into the Chinese market and anticipated that a rapid customs clearance mechanism will be reinforced for exports from the continent.

China has been ranked first as Africa's trading partner for two decades. Bilateral trade exceeded 348 billion dollars in 2025, with African sales concentrated in oil, minerals and agricultural products, while China exports mainly manufactured products.

Mazo News Team