The People’s Republic of China has announced that it will eliminate tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026. This policy extends a scheme already applied to 33 African countries, with Eswatini being the only exception due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

The measure aims to strengthen trade between China and the African continent. As Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure projects through its Belt and Road Initiative, China intends to facilitate African exports to its market and support the economic development of its African partners.

This announcement comes amid a broader effort to deepen Sino-African economic relations and reflects China’s strategic approach to global trade. It is expected to have significant impacts on African export sectors, particularly agriculture, energy, and manufacturing.