BEIJING — China has announced that it will grant tariff-free access for a range of goods from African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, in a move aimed at deepening trade ties with the continent, state-linked reports said.
The policy, which takes effect from Thursday, is expected to allow eligible African exports to enter the Chinese market without customs duties, a step Beijing says will support “mutually beneficial cooperation” and expand trade flows between China and Africa.
The decision comes as China seeks to strengthen its economic influence in Africa, a region rich in strategic raw materials such as cobalt, copper, and lithium, which are essential for global manufacturing and the energy transition.
China is already one of the world’s largest importers of African minerals and energy resources, while African countries import a wide range of manufactured goods, infrastructure equipment, and consumer products from China.
Analysts say the move reflects Beijing’s broader strategy of securing long-term access to critical supply chains amid rising global competition for minerals used in technologies such as batteries, electronics, and defense systems.
Some commentators have linked the policy shift to intensifying global trade tensions, including earlier tariff measures introduced during the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, which reshaped parts of international trade policy.
China itself remains a major hub in global mineral processing and manufacturing supply chains, including materials used in advanced industries such as aviation and defense. However, experts caution that global supply chains are highly interconnected, with raw materials and components sourced from multiple regions, including Africa.
The announcement is expected to further intensify geopolitical and economic competition among major powers seeking influence over Africa’s resource-rich markets.
African governments have yet to issue a coordinated response, though trade analysts say the policy could present both opportunities for export growth and challenges related to dependency on major external markets.
Further details on implementation and eligible product categories are expected to be released by Chinese authorities in the coming weeks.
