Nigeria TV Info 

China Scraps Tariffs on Importation from Nigeria, 52 African Countries

China has officially removed tariffs on imports from Nigeria and 52 other African countries in a major trade policy shift aimed at strengthening economic ties with Africa. The zero-tariff policy took effect on May 1, 2026, and applies to all African nations with diplomatic relations with Beijing, except Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan.

The new arrangement gives Nigerian products easier access to the Chinese market, especially agricultural exports such as cocoa, sesame, cashew, ginger, coffee and mineral resources. Chinese authorities said the initiative is part of a broader economic cooperation framework designed to deepen trade, improve market access and encourage development across Africa.

Analysts believe the development could significantly boost Nigeria’s non-oil exports and create new opportunities for farmers, manufacturers and exporters. The removal of tariffs is also expected to encourage value addition, industrial growth and job creation as local producers may increase production to meet demand from China’s huge consumer market.

China said the policy would remain in place until April 30, 2028, while African exporters will also receive support through trade fairs, customs facilitation and technical cooperation. Beijing described itself as the first major economy to offer unilateral zero-tariff treatment to nearly the entire African continent.

Despite the positive outlook, economic experts warned that African countries must improve infrastructure, industrial capacity and export standards to fully benefit from the agreement. Reports also noted that Africa still records a large trade deficit with China because most exports remain raw materials instead of finished products.