Beijing Expands Zero Tariff Policy to Africa Highlighting Nigeria’s Rise Amid Trump Era Trade Shifts

China already grants zero-tariff access to 33 African countries, but Xi confirmed that the policy will be expanded to include all 53 of China’s diplomatic partners on the continent.

The announcement comes as African leaders convene in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for the African Union Summit, underscoring China’s growing economic influence and political engagement across the region.

“This zero-tariff deal will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” Xi declared, highlighting Beijing’s commitment to fostering closer trade and investment relations with African economies.

China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a primary financier of major infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Many African nations have increasingly turned to China and other trading blocs since the United States imposed sweeping tariffs under former President Donald Trump.

The new policy, however, excludes Eswatini, the only African nation maintaining diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which Beijing regards as a breakaway province. China has long opposed any formal ties with Taipei and has not ruled out using force to achieve unification.

With this sweeping tariff reform, Beijing is signaling not only an expansion of its economic footprint across Africa but also a clear reminder of its diplomatic red lines.