China Announces Zero Tariff Treatment for Imports from 53 African Countries
China has announced that it will implement a zero tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, effective May 1, 2026, as reported by Chinese state television and international news agencies.
This decision is part of a broader strategy to strengthen Sino-African trade relations and deepen economic cooperation between the two parties. In addition to the tariff exemption, China will continue to negotiate and sign joint economic partnership agreements and expand market access for African exports through improved mechanisms, such as a "green channel" to facilitate customs and logistics procedures.
Tunisia Directly Affected
Among the 53 African countries concerned are all those that have diplomatic relations with Beijing, including Tunisia. This means that Tunisian products exported to the Chinese market should be able to benefit from tariff-free access starting May 1, 2026. This measure could stimulate Tunisian exports, particularly in the agri-food, textile, and agricultural sectors, by reducing costs and improving the competitiveness of national products in this market of over 1.4 billion consumers.
Chinese authorities have also emphasized their willingness to use mechanisms like the "green channel" to simplify trade formalities, which could encourage an increase in African exports to China and encourage companies to diversify their markets.
For African countries, this development represents an opportunity to diversify their exports and strengthen trade relations with a major economic power. By facilitating access to the Chinese market without tariff barriers, Beijing hopes to encourage more inclusive growth in trade and contribute to increased development of local value chains.
For Tunisia, the potential impact could be an improvement in the penetration rate of Tunisian products in China, a reduction in costs for exporters, and ultimately, positive effects on the national trade balance. However, challenges will remain, particularly in terms of competitiveness, compliance with sanitary and phytosanitary standards, and the development of more value-added products.
Will There Be a Reciprocal Measure?
At this stage, no reciprocal tariff mechanism for Chinese products on the African market has been officially announced by African countries or regional blocs like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Chinese policy remains currently unilateral, aiming to stimulate African exports to China without immediate tariff countermeasures. However, several analysts believe that bilateral or regional agreements could be considered in the medium term to balance trade further.
