The Voice of Africa published on 12 June 2025 an article titled "China Set to Eliminate All Tariffs on African Imports: A New Chapter in Global Trade."
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced on 11 June that China is prepared to grant zero-tariff treatment to 100 percent of taxable products from all 53 African countries with which it has formal relations. Only Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan, is excepted. Wang contrasted China's policy with US plans to increase tariffs on African imports.
Comment: While this could constitute an important change in the dynamics of China-Africa trade, the fact remains that China maintains a large and long-standing trade surplus with all of Africa. On the other hand, over the last ten years the United States has had a modest trade deficit with all of Africa.