$348 billion partnership deepens as China eliminates duties on African goods

BEIJING : The announcement was made in a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the rotating Chairman of the African Union (AU), Joao Lourenço, and the Chairman of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, on the occasion of the 39th AU Summit.

In the letter, Xi confirmed that China will fully implement a duty exemption procedure for the eligible African nations, eliminating tariffs on all imported products from those countries. The measure marks one of the most comprehensive trade facilitation steps taken by Beijing toward the continent.

Beyond removing tariffs, China also intends to accelerate the signing of a structured economic agreement aimed at strengthening long-term trade and investment cooperation. Beijing pledged to further facilitate the entry of African exports into the Chinese market by enhancing the so-called “green channel” for imports and simplifying and expediting customs procedures.

President Xi highlighted Africa’s progress in regional integration, reaffirming China’s commitment to strengthening its comprehensive strategic partnership with the continent. He underscored the importance of closer collaboration at a time when global trade tensions are rising and protectionist policies are resurfacing in various parts of the world.

The initiative is also designed to gradually rebalance bilateral trade flows, which currently favor China. By stimulating African exports, particularly those with higher added value, Beijing aims to support more equitable trade dynamics while boosting African access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

According to data from the General Administration of Customs of China, trade between China and Africa reached approximately $348.05 billion in 2025, reflecting a 17.7 percent year-on-year increase. Of that total, Chinese exports accounted for $225.03 billion, while African imports into China stood at $123.02 billion.