China’s Africa policy challenges increasing global shift to protectionist trade

At a time when much of the global trading system is moving toward protectionism and tighter market access, China has opened its markets to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.

Under a landmark initiative that took effect on May 1, China expanded its zero-tariff treatment by removing tariffs on 100 per cent of product categories for the continent. While the policy had previously applied only to Africa’s 33 least developed countries, larger economies such as Egypt, Nigeria and Kenya are now also eligible, as Chinese media outlets reported.

China’s commerce ministry said the move would give African exports a stronger competitive advantage, including cocoa from Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana, coffee and avocados from Kenya, and citrus fruits and wine from South Africa, which previously faced tariffs ranging between 8 per cent and 30 per cent.

“Enterprises are poised to seize this opportunity and bolster the import of distinctive African products, thereby introducing a greater variety of high-quality and cost-effective African goods into the Chinese market,” Zhang added.

Beijing deepens ties with Africa

The decision to extend tariff-free access to Egyptian products coincides with the conclusion of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan and aligns with Egypt’s Vision 2030 strategy, aimed at boosting trade and improving access for Egyptian goods to China’s vast consumer market of 1.4 billion people.

Beyond the economic implications, analysts say the policy also carries significant geopolitical weight. The move reflects the deepening partnership between Cairo and Beijing under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and the broader Global South, while also supporting China’s efforts to secure more stable international supply chains.

China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years, with bilateral trade reaching a record $348 billion in 2025.

The expanded zero-tariff policy has been widely welcomed as a major step toward further opening the world’s second-largest economy.

Guo Xueyan, an official with the General Administration of Customs, said that at a time of rising global trade protectionism, China’s decision to broaden zero-tariff treatment for African nations demonstrates the “genuine essence of multilateralism.”

In the longer term, experts believe the policy could help create a more balanced China-Africa trade relationship while encouraging greater investment in African manufacturing industries aimed at exporting goods to China at lower cost.

By Nazrin Sadigova