1 hr ago

China’s Zero Tariffs Expose Africa’s Bigger Value-Addition Challenge

China has removed tariffs on goods from more than 50 African countries.

This makes it cheaper for African exporters to sell products in China.

Early figures show that trade increased after the policy began.

However, a Nigerian minister said that lower tariffs are not enough by themselves.

African countries also need to make and export more finished products.

Much of Africa’s current trade with China involves raw materials such as oil, copper and iron ore.

China sells far more goods to Africa than Africa sells to China.

The main challenge is therefore helping African economies produce higher-value goods.

Key facts

Tariff policy: Duty-free access across 100% of tariff lines for countries maintaining diplomatic ties with Beijing.
Eligible countries: More than 50 African countries.
Early trade increase: Chinese imports from Africa rose 23.5% year-on-year to $28.7 billion in May and June.
Nigeria imports: Imports from Nigeria reportedly rose by more than 40% during the period.
2025 merchandise trade: Africa-China trade reached $348 billion.
Trade deficit: China exported $225 billion to Africa, while Africa exported $123 billion to China, producing a $102 billion deficit.
Export composition: Extractive industries accounted for nearly 89% of African exports to China between 2000 and 2022.

thehansindia.com · 2 hrs ago