China's expansion of zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, effective May 1, is expected to deepen economic links and create new opportunities for Guangdong-Africa cooperation.
The policy covers 100% of tariff lines, marking the latest step in China's gradual opening to African exports. Since introducing partial zero tariffs for the least developed African countries in 2005, China has steadily widened access. China granted full tariff exemption to 33 least developed partners in December 2024. The latest move extends that benefit to all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
A wide range of African goods will now enter the Chinese market duty-free, provided they meet rules of origin and inspection requirements. These include cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, previously subject to tariffs of 8-22%; Kenyan coffee and avocados, once taxed at up to 30% and 20%; and South African citrus fruits and wine, which faced tariffs of up to 20%.
African businesses have welcomed the move. Leye Kupoluyi, President of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said the policy would help improve the trade balance between Africa and China, adding that Nigeria plans to expand exports of agricultural and industrial products to the Chinese market.
"If our products are accepted in China, they will likely be competitive globally," he said, noting that Nigerian businesses are looking to leverage the opportunity to access wider international markets.
Guangdong, China's largest provincial trading partner with Africa, will enhance cooperation and the supply chain. In the first quarter of 2026, trade between Guangdong and Africa reached 84.98 billion yuan, up 29.7% year on year.
Exports from Guangdong remained robust, particularly mechanical and electrical products, which totaled 50.66 billion yuan and accounted for more than 70% of shipments to Africa. Home appliances, motorcycles, lithium batteries, mobile phones, and computer components recorded strong growth. Electric vehicle exports also surged, rising by more than 200%.
On the import side, Guangdong's purchases from Africa remain concentrated in resource-based products. Imports of copper, metal ores, crude oil and diamonds all posted solid gains, highlighting the complementary trade structure between the two sides.
Analysts say the zero-tariff policy could further accelerate this trend. Liu Jisen, dean of the Institute for African Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, estimates that China-Africa trade could grow by more than 20% following the policy's implementation, with agricultural and resource products seeing the strongest impact.
He added that Guangdong's manufacturing strengths could drive a new wave of demand. "The development of Africa will, in turn, support the development of China and Guangdong," Liu said, describing the policy as part of a broader push toward shared growth and greater stability in globalization.
Reporter | Dai Bosi
Poster | Lai Meiya
Intern Luo Zihan also contributed to the story.
