International: China’s comprehensive zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing officially takes effect on May 1. The tariff-free initiative is expected to further accelerate China-Africa trade growth while bringing greater stability and certainty to African economies.

According to a global survey conducted by CGTN among internet users worldwide, 87.3 percent of respondents expressed positive views regarding China’s mutually beneficial trade policy. Respondents believe that at a time when the global trading system faces mounting challenges, China’s move will help ease developmental barriers and discriminatory practices against African countries while contributing to international fairness and justice.

In 2025, China-Africa trade volume reached 348 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 17.7 percent increase compared to the previous year and setting a new record. China has also remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. Against this backdrop, 87.4 percent of respondents said the zero-tariff policy would help African products gain faster access to China’s vast consumer market and create new growth opportunities for the continent’s development.

In practice, the zero-tariff initiative has not only expanded the scale of China-Africa trade but has also contributed to improvements in the diversity of traded goods and industrial structures. According to the survey, 87.8 percent of respondents believe the policy will facilitate the entry of Africa’s competitive products into the Chinese market and strengthen their competitiveness. Meanwhile, 84.5 percent said the initiative would increase the added value of African products and promote industrial modernization and structural transformation. Another 83.8 percent noted that the policy would enhance Africa’s capabilities in agricultural processing, storage, cold-chain logistics, and transportation infrastructure.

In recent years, the global trade environment has become increasingly challenging, with unilateral tariffs and trade protectionism creating greater uncertainty for developing nations. In contrast, China has taken concrete steps to strengthen stability and confidence in China-Africa economic and trade cooperation — beginning in 2024 with tariff exemptions for 33 least-developed countries and now extending full zero-tariff treatment to 53 African nations with diplomatic ties to China.

Regarding this policy, 86.2 percent of respondents said China’s zero-tariff initiative reflects the country’s strong commitment to mutually beneficial cooperation and shared modernization with Africa, as well as the sense of responsibility expected from a major global power. Additionally, 78 percent believe the move will strengthen solidarity and cooperation among Global South countries, while 78.3 percent praised China’s role as a responsible major country promoting shared development with the world’s least-developed nations.

The survey was published on CGTN’s English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian-language platforms. Within 24 hours, a total of 7,665 netizens participated and shared their views.

Source: Jinia–Touhid–Tuhina, China Media Group