The announcement made on June 12, 2025, revealed that China would eliminate all import duties on exports from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties. By extending the duty-free and quota-less access that was previously reserved for least developed countries (LDCs), middle-income economies like Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Egypt and Morocco have been included in this policy.
The decision made by Beijing indicates a strong desire to correct long-standing trade imbalances and enhance economic relations with the continent.
Addressing Historical Trade Imbalances
The trade surplus of China with Africa has remained high, standing at roughly $62 billion in 2024. African exporters of manufactured and processed goods may benefit from increased market entry into China’s vast consumer base by broadening duty-free access. According to Hannah Ryder of Development Reimagined, this policy enhances the potential of countries with manufacturing expertise to broaden and increase their exports beyond raw materials.
Support for Least-Developed Countries
Beijing acknowledged that tariffs would be beneficial for middle-income countries, but LDCs could face competition from more industrialized African nations. In order to create a more just trade environment, China committed to providing training and marketing support as well as capacity-building measures to countries like Tanzania and Mali.
The move appears to promote inclusivity across the continent by combining tariff relief with aid programs.
Nigeria’s Strategic Opportunity
The new access regime is likely to offer Nigeria significant advantages, as it is already China’s third-largest trade partner in Africa. Over $20 billion in bilateral trade was generated by both countries in 2024, driven partly by a rise in exports and infrastructure investments. Nigerian exporters, particularly those involved in cement, textiles, food products, and agricultural processing, can now tap into the Chinese market with the removal of tariffs.
Although Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been pushing for duty-free access, this policy is in line with a long-standing objective to enhance industrial exports as pillars of the China-Africa strategic partnership.
Impacts and Challenges Ahead
The proclamation asserts that it will enhance African industrial capabilities and decrease reliance on exports of raw materials. This initiative’s success depends on whether exporters are up to Chinese standards, maintain efficient logistics, and offer competitive pricing. Africa’s ability to compete is also being threatened due to the complex market regulations and supply chain regulations of China.
To address these issues, China has attempted to integrate tariff relief with investments and credit lines, investing 360 billion yuan (about $50 billion) over three years to support African economies.
This comprehensive approach focuses on both infrastructure and market readiness.
What’s Next?
This policy’s focus will be on trade facilitation and export competitiveness. Nigeria’s manufacturers and exporters are now required to comply with quality standards, distribution networks, and market access regulations in China. Digital platforms and trade expos, including the Canton Fair and China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, are expected to play significant roles in promoting African goods and securing distribution partnerships.
The strategy may promote greater cooperation in fields like green development, digital trade, and manufacturing, potentially resulting in the promotion of technology transfer and joint ventures.
Final Thoughts
China’s move represents a significant shift towards improving economic relations with Africa. By providing duty-free access to middle-income countries like Nigeria and offering assistance to LDCs, the initiative aims to promote a more balanced and equitable trading system. Nigeria’s new trade growth may commence, but the challenge for local businesses is to translate this policy into tangible exports and sustained industrial development.
