China expands zero tariff access to 53 African countries from May 1

CHINA – China will remove tariffs on imports from almost all African countries starting May 1, widening its zero tariff trade policy across the continent.

President Xi Jinping confirmed that the new policy will apply to 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China. Only Eswatini will remain outside the framework due to its diplomatic relations with Taiwan under the One China principle.

The revised arrangement expands an earlier policy that covered 33 African countries. Under the new system, eligible goods from African nations will enter China at zero tariff. The decision is expected to increase exports of agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods.

Kenya, which was not among the initial 33 countries, will now benefit from the broader access. In 2025, Kenya exported more than Ksh 64 billion worth of avocados, equivalent to about US$496 million (Ksh 64 billion). The expanded access could support further growth in horticultural exports.

In January 2026, Kenya and China reached a preliminary early harvest trade agreement that granted 98.2 per cent of Kenyan goods duty free access to the Chinese market. The agreement aimed to increase agricultural exports and reduce Kenya’s trade gap with China.

Trade analysts expect the removal of tariffs to improve price competitiveness for African suppliers. For exporters of fresh produce, the change could support stronger and more stable supply relationships with Chinese buyers.

South Africa signs new trade framework

The announcement comes days after South Africa signed a new trade framework with China that could also lead to zero tariff access.

South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, signed the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Prosperity with China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao during a Joint Economic and Trade Commission meeting.

The agreement is not legally binding. Both countries will now negotiate an Early Harvest Agreement, which they expect to complete by the end of March 2026. Once they conclude the talks, South African exports could enter China at zero tariff.

“This agreement will enhance trade with the People’s Republic of China while increasing exports and rebuilding our industrial capacity,” Tau said.

South Africa already exports citrus fruit and rooibos tea to China. Officials say the new framework could create more room for agricultural goods, manufactured products, mining, renewable energy, and technology.

“As China South Africa relations continue to deepen, new opportunities emerge for South African businesses seeking to enter the Chinese market,” Tau added.

China says the broader tariff removal aligns with its goal of strengthening trade ties with African economies under existing cooperation frameworks.

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