China plans tariff-free trade with all 53 African partner countries

China is set to eliminate tariffs for all 53 African countries it has diplomatic ties with, offering duty-free access not just to the poorest nations but also to middle-income economies.

While the Asian giant already offers duty- and quota-free access to least developed countries (LDCs), the new pact will extend these benefits to middle-income African countries such as Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco.

The move, discussed during a high-level meeting in Changsha, aims to promote quality African exports to China and level the playing field for more industrialized African economies. To protect LDCs from being outcompeted, China also pledged targeted support measures, including marketing assistance and training. Analysts believe the agreement could reduce the continent's growing trade deficit with China, which stood at $62 billion last year. The announcement comes as part of China’s broader $50 billion funding commitment to Africa made during a Beijing summit in 2024.

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