China to Scrap Tariffs for Most of Africa From May: Xi

Chinese President Xi Jinping looks on during a signing ceremony with Uruguayan President Yamandu Orsi (not pictured) at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, China, February 3, 2026. JESSICA LEE/Pool via REUTERS

Beijing’s scrapping of tariffs for all but one African country will start May 1, Chinese President Xi Jinping said Saturday, according to state media.

China already has a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African countries, but Beijing said last year it would extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest news and analysis from Africa, Asia, and across the Global South.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China’s relations across the Global South.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Reuters

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2
Uncertainty Roils Minerals Markets
3 Chinese Scholars See Russia’s Venezuela Strategy as a Model of Hybrid Power Projection in the U.S.’ Backyard
4 From J-10C to Kaan? Indonesia’s Fighter Jet Deal With Turkey Shocks Chinese Military Fans
5 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
6
Indonesia Goes Nuclear, Taps China and Russia for Modular Reactors

You Might Like

South Africa’s Trade Minister Heads to China, Seeking Duty-Free Export Access

South Africa’s trade minister Parks Tau will travel to China from Thursday to Saturday to sign the China–Africa Economic Partnership Agreement, which will see South African exports gain duty-free access to the Chinese market, Tau’s office ...

South African Avocados Are the Latest Entrant Into China’s Already-Saturated Market

Chinese consumers will soon be able to purchase South African avocados in their local supermarkets thanks to a new export agreement signed on the sidelines of last week’s BRICS summit in Johannesburg. The ...

In a Swipe at the U.S., China Removes Tariffs for Nearly Every African Country

China will remove all trade tariffs on imported goods from 53 African countries in a move that starkly contrasts with U.S. President Donald Trump’s pro-tariff agenda. Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced the policy ...

Chinese Exports to Africa Soar

The flow of Chinese goods to African countries has increased markedly as trade barriers rise elsewhere. Exports are reportedly up 25% year-on-year to $122 billion, more than the whole of 2020, and ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP