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China exempts 53 African countries from customs duties starting May 2026
China has announced a complete tariff exemption on all products imported from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective from May 1, 2026. This step aims to rebalance trade exchanges and enhance the strategic partnership between the two sides.
The decision was communicated in a message from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the rotating president of the African Union, João Lourenço, and to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, during the 39th African Union summit.
Xi Jinping confirmed that Beijing would fully implement the tariff exemption measure, noting that the decision encompasses all products coming from the concerned African nations, as part of support for the continent’s economic development and deepening South-South cooperation.
The same source indicated that in addition to removing tariffs, China intends to accelerate the signing of a structured economic agreement and facilitate access for African exports to the Chinese market by improving the “green channel” and simplifying import procedures, which will allow for quicker commodity flows and enhance their competitiveness.
The Chinese president praised the progress Africa has made in regional integration, reiterating his country’s commitment to strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Africa amidst rising global trade tensions and a resurgence of protectionist tendencies.
This measure aims to stimulate African exports, particularly those with higher added value, towards the Chinese market, contributing to reducing the trade deficit that structurally favors Beijing.
According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, trade volume between China and Africa reached $348.05 billion in 2025, marking a 17.7 percent year-on-year increase. Chinese exports to Africa grew by 25.8 percent to $225.03 billion, while imports from the continent rose by 5.4 percent to $123.02 billion.
