In a historic development that redefines economic relations between two continents, China has pledged to remove all tariffs on goods from all African countries. Previously capped at 33 nations, this zero tariff regime will now extend to 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing—opening the door for a new era of shared prosperity.
This monumental policy, unveiled at the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) ministerial meeting in Changsha, Hunan, underscores China’s earnest commitment to deepen economic ties with the continent. As African foreign ministers convened to assess the progress of FOCAC outcomes, President Xi Jinping announced the elimination of import duties on every product from all eligible African countries. The decision marks a paradigmatic shift—a structural transformation in Africa China trade relations.
Its implications are profound. China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade approaching US$300 billion in 2024. But the previous focus on raw-material exports among a select few countries limited broader development. By granting tariff-free access to all goods—from agricultural produce to manufactured items—China is not only empowering its 20 newly included middle-income trading partners, but it is also pressing the acceleration of economic diversification across the continent.
This policy is a clarion call to action for African governments and producers. Yet, tariff elimination is only the first leap: African exporters must now confront logistics costs, certification processes, marketing channels, financing, and language barriers. Governments must therefore pair tariff access with targeted support: export assistance, trade facilitation, e-commerce strategies, and technical training.
For Ethiopia, with its rapidly growing industrial parks, thriving textile mills, and dynamic agribusiness sector, China’s decision is strategically transformative. The zero duty window empowers Ethiopian producers to integrate more deeply into China’s vast consumer market. Our famed coffee, horticulture, leather goods, textiles and cut flowers—already competitive in global markets—now stand to gain from enhanced price competitiveness in China.
Furthermore, Ethiopia’s commitment to industrialization and export diversification positions it to be among the top beneficiaries. With its state led infrastructures, young workforce, and improving logistics corridors like the Addis Ababa–Djibouti Railway, Ethiopia can scale exports more efficiently. But additional government support is key: trade missions to Chinese provinces, Chinese-language export platforms, joint venture facilitation, and e commerce partnerships.
China has long stood as Ethiopia’s partner in peace, infrastructure, and industrialization. From railways to power plants, from industrial zones to digital‐economy pilot projects, the two nations have co constructed significant shared assets. This tariff waiver adds a new dimension—economic synergy—by making Ethiopian goods more affordable for Chinese consumers, while reducing trade friction.
China has further committed to streamlining customs procedures, investment in African trade facilitation, and training local talent to implement new inspection and quarantine measures. Ethiopia can leverage these supports to enhance transparency, compliance, and market readiness for Chinese standards.
Ethiopia’s success under this initiative will reflect stronger continental outcomes. Africa must harness this tariff opportunity deliberately and swiftly: harmonizing regional export strategies, building collective shipping hubs, negotiating quality standards, and enhancing e commerce infrastructure. At the same time, African governments should increase liaison with Chinese trade authorities, market their exports through digital platforms, and support private sector participation.
This move is no mere symbolic gesture—it is a structural pivot in economic relations. As Hannah Ryder, CEO of Development Reimagined, notes, it “isn’t just symbolic… it’s a structural shift in Africa–China trade relations.”
In short, China’s decision to remove tariffs for goods from all African countries heralds a new era—one of possibility, partnership, and progress. It is both a gift and a challenge: a gift of market access, and a challenge to scale export capacity, diversify production and meet quality standards.
For Ethiopia, the benefits are immediate: improved marketability of coffee, textiles, leather, horticulture, processed foods, and more. The government and private sector must act deliberately—expand supply chains, streamline logistics, train exporters, and create trade missions to China.
Ultimately, this is a moment for African unity, ambition, and strategic action. Let us seize this duty free window, transform our economies, deepen Sino African ties, and—above all—improve the lives of millions across our continent. The time to act is now.
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SATURDAY 14 JUNE 2025
