China’s recent announcement to fully implement a zero-tariff scheme for 53 African countries, including Nigeria, marks a significant milestone in Sino-African relations as United States (US) President Donald Trump wages a global trade war of tariffs.
Framed within the Changsha Declaration and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), this initiative aligns with Beijing’s vision of building an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.”
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For Nigeria, the continent’s largest economy, this presents both an opportunity and a test of readiness.
In this report, EKO HOT BLOG analyses what the zero-tariff plan, which China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced in a statement on Thursday following a meeting between senior Chinese officials and African foreign ministers in Changsha, could mean for Nigeria.
A Strategic Economic Shift for Nigeria
At the heart of this development is a trade arrangement that removes tariffs on 100 percent of tariff lines for African products entering China.
“We agree that the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism and economic bullying has created severe difficulties for the economic and social development and the improvement of livelihood in African countries and other developing countries. This is a pressing challenge that members of the Global South including China and African countries must address,” the Chinese foreign ministry said.
For Nigeria, which has long grappled with low levels of non-oil exports, the scheme offers a new frontier for diversification. Agricultural commodities such as sesame seeds, cocoa, ginger, cashew and hibiscus, already in demand in Asian markets, could become more competitive in China under a zero-tariff regime.
In addition to agriculture, Nigeria could expand exports in areas like leather, solid minerals, and even processed goods, provided it meets China’s market access standards on quality, safety and packaging. This could stimulate local industries, generate employment, and improve the country’s trade balance with China.
Narrowing the Trade Imbalance between China and Nigeria
China is Nigeria’s largest source of imports, but Nigerian exports to China have remained minimal.
With the removal of tariff barriers, the trade imbalance may begin to narrow if Nigeria capitalises on the opportunity. However, market access is not just about tariffs; issues of infrastructure, logistics, customs bottlenecks, and compliance with Chinese regulatory standards remain key barriers. Without targeted investment in these areas, Nigerian products may struggle to reach Chinese consumers in significant volumes.
“For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products,” the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday.
Nigeria would hope that the Chinese government, which has long been a focus of allegations of unfair trade practices, follows through on its commitment to boosting and promoting trade with Africa.
Moreover, there is a risk that zero-tariff access could also intensify the inflow of cheap Chinese goods into Nigerian markets, further undermining local manufacturers.
To prevent economic asymmetry, Nigeria could implement policies that support local production, enforce quality standards, and discourage dumping. A deliberate trade strategy, backed by industrial policy, may be essential to balance benefits and shield vulnerable sectors.
Agenda 2063 and the Promise of Partnership for Nigeria
China’s commitment to supporting the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which outlines the continent’s long-term development vision, gives this partnership broader developmental context. China’s pledge to collaborate on e-commerce, green industry, artificial intelligence and infrastructure development offers Nigeria access to technological and capital resources that could accelerate its modernisation goals.
Moreover, China’s promise to boost development assistance, improve customs clearance systems, and provide technical training could help strengthen Nigeria’s institutional capacity to harness trade opportunities more effectively.
President Bola Tinubu’s administration appears aligned with this vision, having signed five memoranda of understanding (MOUs) with China during a meeting with President Xi Jinping in 2024.
Addressing world leaders at the opening session of the 2024 summit, Tinubu said the China-Africa relationship had become “a true testament” to the power of mutual respect and cooperation.
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While details remain sparse, Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has reiterated that these MOUs are at various stages of implementation. With proper execution, these agreements could provide a framework to leverage the zero-tariff scheme in a way that aligns with Nigeria’s development goals.
Philip Ibitoye is a Special Correspondent with EKO HOT BLOG. Click here to find daily analysis and critical insight on trending issues in Lagos and other parts of Nigeria.
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