Kenya and Africa Set to Benefit as China Expands Duty-Free Imports

China has announced that it will eliminate tariffs on imports from almost all African countries in an effort for Beijing to boost its trade relations with Africa.

According to Chinese sources, as reported on Saturday, February 14, President Xi Jinping announced that the zero-tariff import duty will begin from May 1 and will include all African countries except Eswatini.

Beijing had earlier indicated plans to extend the arrangement to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

This means that all goods entering China from Africa will enjoy zero tariff treatment, expanding an existing policy that benefits 33 African countries currently.

However, Eswatini will not benefit from the new directive, as China accuses it of maintaining diplomatic relationships with Taiwan. 

China considers Taiwan part of its territory under the “One China” principle and has consistently opposed countries maintaining official ties with the island. Beijing has not ruled out the use of force to reunify Taiwan with mainland China.

The zero-tariff expansion is expected to increase African exports to China, particularly agricultural produce, raw materials, and manufactured goods.

Despite maintaining a good relationship with China, Kenya was not among the 33 countries that enjoyed the free tariff before.

The new directive by Xi to scrap the tariff will see Kenya increase its exports to China, especially agricultural produce and raw materials.

In 2025, Kenya reportedly exported over Ksh 64 billion worth of avocados. Other key exports also included tea, coffee, cut flowers and roses, which have seen increasing demand in the Chinese market.

Minerals have also made a great impact on exports to China. Kenya’s leading export to China is titanium ore, making up a significant portion of the total value. In 2024, titanium ore export was valued at over Ksh 75 billion.

In January 2026, Kenya and China reached a preliminary early harvest trade agreement that grants 98.2 per cent of Kenyan goods duty-free access to the china market.

The deal was designed to boost agricultural exports like tea, coffee, and avocados to help narrow Kenya’s trade deficit with China.

The recent development will see China and Kenya, among other African countries, strengthen their economic cooperation under trade frameworks and provide Africa with broader access to one of the world’s largest markets in the world.