politics
China Expands Duty-Free Trade with Africa While U.S. Focuses on Iran
China began allowing duty-free imports from 53 African countries on May 1. The policy excludes Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan. U.S. officials continue to address security issues involving Iran.
May 21, 5:00 AM·2m read1 source
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China implemented a zero-tariff policy covering 53 African countries beginning May 1. A shipment of South African apples became the first goods to enter under the new arrangement after clearing customs in Shenzhen. Eswatini remains outside the policy because it continues to recognize Taiwan.
The policy creates a large duty-free zone at a time when many countries have reduced trade preferences. China-Africa trade reached $348 billion in 2025, with Chinese exports to Africa totaling $225 billion and imports from Africa at $123 billion.
The Democratic Republic of Congo produced an estimated 73 percent of global cobalt in 2025, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Chinese companies own or finance several major cobalt mines in the country and refine the mineral for use in batteries.
The United States imported 14,000 tons of cobalt in 2025, with most supplies coming from Norway, Finland, Canada, and Japan. Chinese firms participate in approximately one-third of Africa’s 231 commercial ports. Djibouti’s Doraleh Port was expanded to support China’s first known overseas military base, established in 2017.
U.S. Africa Command officials have stated that port investments could affect access for American forces during potential conflicts.
Russia supplied 21 percent of major arms imported by African countries from 2020 to 2024, ahead of China at 18 percent and the United States at 16 percent. Russian officials have also pursued a naval base on Sudan’s Red Sea coast.
Trump has focused on negotiations involving Iran. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard issued statements regarding U.S. actions on May 1. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the current U.S. approach as favoring trade and investment over traditional aid programs.
Africa holds 54 votes at the United Nations. Those votes played a role in the 1971 General Assembly decision that seated the People’s Republic of China and removed Taiwan. U.S. funding for African intelligence activities was reduced from a requested $94 million to $19 million in recent budget decisions.
