China Grants 53 African Nations Zero Tariffs on 100% of Goods
Updated
Updated · CGTN · Aug 15
China Grants 53 African Nations Zero Tariffs on 100% of Goods
1 articles · Updated · CGTN · Aug 15
Summary
Since May 1, China has applied zero tariffs to 100% of goods from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, opening its market fully to products including farm goods, seafood and light manufactures.
The move is presented as evidence against the "China Squeeze" theory, with Beijing arguing its market opening expands opportunities for Global South exporters rather than crowding out their industrialization.
China's import demand has also surged: first-half 2026 imports hit 10.74 trillion yuan ($1.59 trillion), up 22.1% from a year earlier and growing 8.7 percentage points faster than exports.
Beyond trade, China says Belt and Road infrastructure investment—$1.39 trillion in contracts and investment from 2013 through 2025—has cut logistics costs and improved industrial capacity in partner countries.