China Removes Tariffs For 53 African Nations – But Not Eswatini

By Advent Shoko

Beijing – In a bold geoeconomic move, China says it will remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries starting May 1, 2026. The policy applies to all African states with which Beijing maintains diplomatic relations. That leaves one country out, Eswatini formerly Swaziland.

Why Eswatini Is Excluded

Eswatini is the only African country that still recognises Taiwan instead of Beijing. Under the One China policy, countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Taiwan do not enjoy full diplomatic relations with China.

In simple terms, no diplomatic relations, no zero-tariff access. For Beijing, this is not just trade. It is diplomacy, leverage and long-term positioning.

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What Zero Tariffs Really Mean

Zero tariffs mean African goods can enter China without import taxes. That potentially makes products such as minerals, agricultural goods, textiles and processed foods more competitive in the world’s second-largest economy.

According to Reuters, China also says it will expand market access using mechanisms like a “green channel” to speed up African exports and will push for joint economic partnership agreements.

This is classic Belt and Road geoeconomics.

The Bigger Picture: Belt, Trade and Influence

The move strengthens China’s footprint under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

For years, Beijing has financed roads, railways, ports and power stations across Africa. Now it is tightening the trade loop, infrastructure on one end, market access on the other.

It also sends a signal, Africa matters to China’s long-term supply chains, food security and diplomatic alliances.

Strategic Timing

As the United States under Donald Trump reintroduces tariffs on a wide range of imports, including from strategic partners, global trade is tilting toward protectionism. Against that backdrop, China’s zero-tariff offer to African states signals a sharply contrasting approach, intensifying competition for influence across emerging markets.

The announcement also comes as global trade tensions remain high and Western economies rethink supply chains. By deepening tariff-free trade with Africa, China secures:

1. Reliable commodity flows
2. Political goodwill at the African Union and United Nations
3. Expanded influence in emerging markets

For African countries, the opportunity is real, but so is the challenge. Zero tariffs only translate to growth if nations can produce value-added goods, not just raw materials.