In a landmark trade policy shift, China has announced the complete removal of customs duties on imports from 53 African countries, including Morocco. The zero-tariff regime, set to take effect on May 1,2026, aims to deepen economic cooperation and open one of the world’s largest consumer markets to African exporters.
The announcement was made by President Xi Jinping in a message addressed to African Union Chairperson João Lourenço and AU Commission President Mahmoud Ali Youssouf during the bloc’s 39th summit. Under the new policy, all goods originating from African nations maintaining diplomatic ties with Beijing will enter the Chinese market free of tariff barriers.
Beyond eliminating duties, China plans to accelerate negotiations on a comprehensive economic framework with the continent. Beijing has committed to streamlining import procedures and expanding its “green channel” mechanism to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for African goods. The initiative specifically targets higher value-added exports, seeking to gradually re-balance a trade relationship that has long tilted heavily in China’s favor.
Xi praised progress on African regional integration and reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with the continent. The move comes amid escalating global trade tensions and rising protectionism, positioning China as a counterweight to restrictive trade policies elsewhere.
For African economies, the implications are significant. Duty-free access to a market of over 1.4 billion consumers could accelerate export diversification and stimulate industrial growth across the continent. Analysts will be watching closely to see whether the policy translates into meaningful shifts in trade flows or remains largely symbolic in the face of persistent non-tariff barriers.
