China Announces Tariff Elimination for 53 African Countries – What It Means for Tunisia
Published: 14 February 2026
Overview
Last week, China announced its intention to remove customs duties on imports from 53 African nations that are considered diplomatic partners. The move is a strategic effort to deepen Beijing’s economic footprint across the continent and will take effect on 1 May 2026.
According to the state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV), Chinese authorities will fully apply the tariff‑exemption scheme for the eligible countries. The initiative is part of a broader policy aimed at strengthening Sino‑African economic cooperation and easing the entry of African products into the Chinese market.
Beijing also plans to intensify negotiations and sign new economic partnership agreements, with the stated goal of promoting mutual development. In this context, China intends to expand mechanisms that facilitate African exports, notably through the “Green Channel” – a fast‑track system designed to accelerate the import of high‑quality African agricultural goods into China.
Geopolitical Implications
Commenting on the decision, academic Habib Zitouna noted that China has significantly expanded its presence in African markets over recent years. He argues that the policy responds to a growing demand for natural resources essential to strategic industries such as technology and electronics manufacturing.
Speaking on Express FM on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, Zitouna said the U.S. protectionist turn, marked by rising tariffs, has pushed China to position itself as an “open” economic power. Beijing is therefore seeking a geopolitical leadership role amid profound shifts in the global economic system.
“China remains Africa’s top trading partner for the sixteenth consecutive year up to the end of 2024. Sino‑African trade continues to show strong momentum in 2025,” Zitouna added.
Customs data released by China show that trade volume between China and African countries reached a record 963 billion yuan (≈ US $134 billion) in the first five months of 2026, reflecting an annual growth rate of 12.4 %.
Potential Impact on Tunisia
For Tunisia, the tariff removal could open the door to new Chinese investments and boost Tunisian exports to China, especially in olive oil, dates, and citrus fruits. However, Zitouna cautioned that tariff elimination alone will not trigger a deep structural transformation of the Tunisian economy nor constitute an “economic revolution.”
The Centre for Export Promotion reports that Tunisian exports to China have been growing at an average annual rate of 5 %, underscoring the sizable opportunity presented by the Chinese market.
- 2024 trade volume between Tunisia and China: ≈ US $1.8 billion.
- Export revenues to China: ≈ TND 217 million.
- Key export products:
- Olive oil – TND 68 million
- Seafood – TND 43 million
- Dates – TND 2.6 million
These figures come from a recent press release by the Centre for Export Promotion.
Read the Full Article
La Chine supprime les droits de douane pour 53 pays africains : la Tunisie concernée
Keywords: China tariff removal, African trade partners, Sino‑African cooperation, Green Channel, Tunisia exports, olive oil, dates, Chinese market, Habib Zitouna, geopolitical strategy
