Chinese authorities will eliminate tariffs on goods from 53 African countries starting from May 1, announced Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“China will fully implement zero-tariff measures on all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations starting from May 1, 2026“, says a congratulatory message sent by Xi Jinping to African Union Chairman João Lourenço and AU Commission Chairman Mahamoud Ali Yusuf on the occasion of the upcoming lunar Year of the Red Horse.
The Chinese president specified that Beijing intends to simultaneously advance negotiations on a comprehensive economic partnership agreement to develop and expand market access for African products in China. He pledged to optimize the "green channel" for African goods.
"These new high-level opening-up measures by China will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for Africa's development and the realization of the China-Africa dream of modernization," Xi Jinping added.
According to the General Administration of Customs, China's trade with African countries grew by 17.7 percent in 2025, reaching $348.05 billion. The country's exports increased by 25.8 percent, reaching $225.03 billion, while imports from Africa increased by 5.4 percent, reaching $123.02 billion.