China cuts tariffs on African goods but is it enough to close the trade gap?

African eels, frozen meat and rare earths now have one thing in common – at least in China.

The commodities are among a wide variety of products that can enter the country tariff-free as part of a policy to help redress the continent’s massive trade imbalance with China.

The zero-tariff policy has applied to 33 “least-developed” African countries since 2024 and, from May 1, has been expanded to include 20 “middle-income” African nations.

The schedule will remain in effect for two years, covering products as disparate as seafood and critical raw materials and minerals, including iron ore, manganese and rare earth metals.

Under the programme, cocoa from Ivory Coast and Ghana will no longer be subjected to tariffs up to 22 per cent, while Kenyan coffee will lose its 30 per cent duties and South African wine its 20 per cent tariff.

“After May 1, these products, provided they meet the relevant requirements for origin and inspection and quarantine, will enjoy zero tariffs,” China’s Ministry of Commerce said.

  

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