Trending Now - China Lifts Tariffs on Most African Imports, One Nation Excluded

WHO:

ABC News - China, Africa's biggest economies, South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Algeria, Kenya, Eswatini, South African Trade Minister Parks Tau, Chinese leader Xi Jinping, Thierry Pairault.

WHAT:

ABC News - China has implemented a policy granting tariff-free access to its market for Africa's 20 largest economies for the next two years.

ABC News - The policy excludes Eswatini, the only African nation maintaining formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

ABC News - A shipment of 24 metric tons of apples from South Africa was the first to clear customs under the new zero-tariff policy.

ABC News - China's trade with Africa reached a record $348 billion in 2025, with exports to Africa at $225 billion and imports from Africa at $123 billion.

WHERE:

ABC News - The policy affects Africa and specifically mentions South Africa, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Kenya.

ABC News - The shipment of apples cleared customs in Shenzhen, China.

WHEN:

ABC News - The zero-tariff policy came into effect on a Friday.

ABC News - The U.S. Supreme Court struck down Trump's global tariffs as unconstitutional in February.

WHY:

ABC News - The agreement aims to promote the common development of China and Africa.

ABC News - The policy is seen as a response to the Trump administration's imposition of new import taxes and protectionism.

HOW:

ABC News - The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council in China announced the tariff-free access.

ABC News - The policy is intended to appeal to African public opinion and global markets, positioning China against Western protectionism.

(UPDATED May 1, 2026 23:20 UTC)

China has announced a new policy granting tariff-free access to its market for Africa's 20 largest economies, excluding Eswatini, for the next two years, with the aim of promoting mutual development. The first shipment to benefit from this policy was a delivery of 24 metric tons of apples from South Africa, which successfully cleared customs in Shenzhen. This move comes on the heels of a record $348 billion in trade between China and Africa in 2025, as China seeks to position itself favorably against Western protectionism.