President Xi Jinping has announced that China will remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries beginning May 1, in a move expected to deepen economic ties between Beijing and the continent.

State media reported Saturday that the zero-tariff policy will apply to all African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with China, except Eswatini, which recognises Taiwan.

China already grants duty-free access to goods from 33 African countries but last year pledged to extend the arrangement to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent.

Xi said the decision would “undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” announcing the implementation date as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual summit of the African Union.

Trade and geopolitical implications China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure projects under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The tariff removal is expected to expand African exports, particularly agricultural and raw materials into the Chinese market, while strengthening Beijing’s influence across the continent.

The policy also reflects shifting global trade dynamics after former United States President Donald Trump imposed sweeping tariffs worldwide last year, pushing several African economies to diversify trade partnerships.

The exclusion of Eswatini underscores Beijing’s long-standing position that countries must cut official ties with Taiwan to access certain economic benefits. China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out forceful reunification.

Analysts say the tariff-free access could improve export competitiveness for African producers but may also increase dependence on the Chinese market.

Economists note that the real gains for Africa will depend on countries’ ability to scale manufacturing and meet Chinese import standards, rather than relying solely on commodity exports.

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