Beijing - President China Xi Jinping on Saturday, 14 February 2026 announced a plan to remove all tariff barrier for 53 African countries, started by May 2026. It is an extended measure from previous zero-tariff policy to other 33 diplomatic partners in the continent.
Beijing would apply this policy to all African countries, excepting for Eswatini that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China acknowledge Taiwan as part its territory. African countries known as China's largest trading partners and key backers of major infrastructure projects through its vast “Belt and Road” initiative.
Furthermore, many African countries are increasingly looking at China and other trading partners, in response to US President Donald Trump's aggressive tariff policy, imposed worldwide since 2025.
President Xi said the zero-tariff deal “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development". The announcement of the new zero-tariff policy is planned to be done during leaders across the continent gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit.****
