Commerce without constraints

African exporters and the business community have welcomed the elimination of customs duties on exports to China, and companies are already preparing to access this vast market of more than 1.4 billion consumers. 

China's new tariff policy is intended to boost trade flows in favour of African economies. "This zero-tariff policy towards Africa aims to open a new chapter in the annals of Sino-African solidarity," said Wang Yi, China's minister of foreign affairs, during a press conference held on the sidelines of the Two Sessions held in March. 

China is committed to strengthening its trade cooperation with African countries. The tariff exemption, effective from 1 May, will apply to exports from all African countries with diplomatic relations with China. However, analysts note that the new policy will only boost trade if African countries undertake the necessary reforms. 

Mutually beneficial cooperation 

Since the announcement of this measure, reactions to the policy have been varied. Most business operators view it positively, whereas analysts remain cautious about its immediate effects. Some observers argue that the policy may primarily benefit China, as it aims to secure a stable supply of raw materials. However, this is a misinterpretation of China-Africa cooperation. 

China is collaborating closely with African countries on the development of socio-economic infrastructure, trade and industrialisation. It is also supporting Africa's modernisation through the conclusion of economic partnership agreements. 

China-Africa trade is expanding. This outcome is understandable, given China's position as the world's manufacturing hub. "In 2024, China-Africa trade volume reached $295.6 billion, setting a new record. Concurrently, we have allocated over 17 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) to support the export of African products to China," Du Xiaohui, director general of the Department of African Affairs at China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told media in June 2025. 

The successful implementation of the zero-tariff policy is anticipated to promote economic growth and development across the continent. Shen Shiwei, a researcher at Zhejiang Normal University, told ChinAfrica that the policy will raise the competitiveness of African products in the expansive Chinese consumer market, thereby creating substantial opportunities for African exporters. 

The policy will encourage the restructuring of industrial chains and the enhancement of local production capabilities, enabling a shift from raw commodity exports to higher value-added manufacturing, Shen added. Furthermore, the policy can strengthen Africa's resilience to global disruptions caused by protectionist policies and unilateral measures from the Western countries. 

Balancing trade 

The policy seeks to rebalance trade between Africa and China by addressing the substantial gap between imports and exports. However, to fully benefit, African countries will need to develop their industries and increase the processing of their products. 

Take Burundi, for example. It exports primarily raw minerals and green coffee and is one of the countries already enjoying tax relief on exports to China under arrangements for least developed countries. In July of last year, more than 900 tonnes of green coffee, valued at $5 million, were exported to China. Burundian authorities continue to closely monitor mineral resource exports. Édouard Normand Bigendako, governor of the central bank, stated that a set of measures, including stringent monitoring and foreign exchange management, are being implemented to revive the national economy. The country is focusing primarily on agricultural products such as fruits, tea, coffee and essential oils, as well as on beekeeping, manufacturing, and fishing, to reduce its trade deficit. 

Despite the exemption of customs duties, African exporters face ongoing difficulties in establishing a presence in the competitive Chinese market. According to Shen, the absence of structured value chains, low brand recognition, and limited product diversification continue to constrain market access. 

To fully seize this historic opportunity, African governments and policymakers must act with resolve. Shen recommended improving production and logistics infrastructure to secure stable export volumes and quality, increasing investment in high-quality products, and ensuring that local producers are knowledgeable about Chinese requirements for phytosanitary compliance, quality standards, certification and logistics to expedite customs clearance.