China scraps tariffs for all but one African nation

"China is positioning itself as the trade liberaliser and Africa-friendly economic partner, in contrast to Donald Trump and the US."

— Lauren Johnston , Academic

"Many African economies still face structural constraints, such as limited industrial capacity, weak logistics, and a reliance on raw commodity exports, which tariff reductions alone cannot address."

— Jervin Naidoo , Academic

"Over the long term, however, the potential could be more meaningful, especially if African countries are able to expand production, diversify exports, and move up the value chain."

— Alfred Schipke , Academic

"These new measures will improve access to Chinese markets, closing that trade deficit and expand opportunities for African companies to prosper."

— Ken Gichinga , Academic

"Short-term support for foreign exchange earnings and a modest boost to agriculture, mining and logistics sectors were welcome - but medium and long-term fiscal gains would not materialise from market access alone."

— Wangari Kebuchi , Academic

"China is positioning itself as the trade liberaliser and Africa-friendly economic partner, in contrast to Donald Trump and the US."

— Lauren Johnston , Academic

"Many African economies still face structural constraints, such as limited industrial capacity, weak logistics, and a reliance on raw commodity exports, which tariff reductions alone cannot address."

— Jervin Naidoo , Academic

"Over the long term, however, the potential could be more meaningful, especially if African countries are able to expand production, diversify exports, and move up the value chain."

— Alfred Schipke , Academic

"These new measures will improve access to Chinese markets, closing that trade deficit and expand opportunities for African companies to prosper."

— Ken Gichinga , Academic

"The structural problem has not changed. Africa continues to export raw materials and import manufactured goods."

— Wangari Kebuchi , Academic

"This move marks a new step in China's push to expand high-level opening-up, and is expected to support Africa's industrialization and agricultural modernization."

— Lyu Daliang , Executive

"The zero-tariff measure is a major step in China's proactive and unilateral opening-up, demonstrating the country's willingness to assume more international obligations and firmly advance high-level opening-up."

— Lin Jian , Other

"This is a real benefit."

— Luo Shengcong , Executive

"The expansion of the zero-tariff policy will significantly reduce import costs for enterprises."

— Zhang Xin , Executive