Story perspectives

China Opens Tariff-Free Market to 53 African Countries

5/2/2026

Summary

China Grants Duty-Free

China will grant tariff-free access to goods from 53 African countries, except Eswatini, starting 30 April 2026.
The plan covers Africa’s 20 economies and adds 33 least-developed nations to the duty-free list.
Xinhua said 24 metric tons of South African apples cleared Shenzhen customs on 1 May 2026 as a zero-tariff shipment.
Removing 8-30% tariffs will boost African cocoa, coffee, avocados, citrus and wine.
China-Africa trade hit a record $348 billion in 2025, widening Africa’s deficit.

Summary

China Excludes

China excluded Eswatini from the zero-tariff regime because it recognises Taiwan.
Taiwan President Lai Ching-te cancelled Eswatini visit after Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar barred his aircraft, citing Chinese pressure.
Wen-Ti Sung said China weaponises trade policy to punish countries that keep ties with Taiwan.
Analysts say the exclusion has little economic impact because Eswatini’s export share is small.
The zero-tariff arrangement expires on 30 April 2028, leaving future market access for African nations uncertain.

History

Historical Context

China launched the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation at a Beijing ministerial conference in 2000, inviting all African states except Eswatini. The forum introduced zero-tariff treatment for African commodities in 2003 and, after joining the Belt and Road Initiative in 2018, expanded that policy to all 53 member nations. Today’s decree excluding Eswatini echoes the original diplomatic leverage.

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China Grants Duty-Free

China will grant tariff-free access to goods from 53 African countries, except Eswatini, starting 30 April 2026.
The plan covers Africa’s 20 economies and adds 33 least-developed nations to the duty-free list.
Xinhua said 24 metric tons of South African apples cleared Shenzhen customs on 1 May 2026 as a zero-tariff shipment.
Removing 8-30% tariffs will boost African cocoa, coffee, avocados, citrus and wine.
China-Africa trade hit a record $348 billion in 2025, widening Africa’s deficit.

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