China Grants Duty-Free Market Access to Nigeria and 52 African Nations 

In a major trade development, China has announced that Nigeria and 52 other African countries will now enjoy full duty-free access to its massive consumer market. This move is expected to boost exports from Africa and reshape trade relations between the continent and China. 

Chinese President Xi Jinping made the announcement in a letter to African foreign ministers, revealing that all African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing will benefit from zero-tariff treatment on 100% of their export products. 

From Partial to Full Access 

Previously, only 33 of Africa’s least-developed countries benefited from China’s trade concessions. The latest policy now includes countries like Nigeria and aims to strengthen economic ties as China counters growing trade tensions with the United States. 

Bloomberg reports that China’s exports to Africa rose by 12.4% in the first five months of 2025, reaching 963 billion yuan ($134 billion). If fully implemented, Nigerian goods—from agriculture to manufacturing and solid minerals—can enter the Chinese market without facing import duties. 

Relief Amid U.S. Trade Uncertainty 

The announcement comes at a crucial time, as Nigeria and over 30 other African nations face potential exclusion from the United States’ African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously allowed duty-free exports to the U.S. 

With this new opportunity from China, Nigeria stands to grow its non-oil exports significantly. Sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and solid minerals, where the country is seeking diversification, could see major gains. 

    “This duty-free access is a game changer for Nigeria’s export sector. It provides new market opportunities that can help reduce our dependence on oil and create jobs through trade,” said a Nigerian trade analyst. 

“This zero-tariff access gives Nigerian businesses a rare chance to compete in one of the world’s largest markets. It’s not just a trade deal — it’s a doorway to growth, jobs, and economic diversification.” — Dr. Ayo Fashola, International Trade Expert 

China’s duty-free offer could be a turning point for Nigeria’s economy. By tapping into the Chinese market, Nigerian businesses can scale up exports and strengthen trade resilience in a competitive global economy. Entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and farmers should prepare to take full advantage of this opportunity.