Starting May 1, Morocco will be one of 53 African countries allowed to sell goods to China without paying any import taxes. The deal covers all products and aims to fix Morocco’s big trade gap with China.
In 2024, Morocco imported around $10–10.5 billion from China but only exported $400–540 million, leaving a deficit of about $9 billion.
The tariff-free deal is expected to help several sectors: agriculture and seafood like frozen fish and citrus fruits, mining and minerals, manufacturing and textiles, and phosphates. Moroccan exporters will also benefit from a “green channel” that speeds up customs in China, though they still need to meet China’s strict quality rules.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said: “We are removing tariffs completely to boost trade, multiply benefits for the people, and help Africa access the enormous opportunities of the Chinese market.”
China previously gave duty-free access to 33 of Africa’s poorest countries. Now the policy covers almost the entire continent. By early 2025, China-Africa trade hit $222 billion, making China Africa’s biggest trading partner. Analysts note that China focuses on giving African countries market access rather than security deals.
Zimbabwe shows what this could mean. Last year, trade with China reached $4.39 billion, giving Zimbabwe a $720 million surplus. Political commentator Kudzai Mutisi said: “The Chinese market is the envy of the world because it has 1.4 billion people with rising disposable income. This allows producers to scale output beyond domestic demand.”
Experts also say the policy could encourage African countries to make more finished products rather than just exporting raw materials. Dereck Goto said: “The policy encourages production growth and diversification. If used well, it could boost local manufacturing instead of just sending raw goods abroad.”
China is also investing in critical resources like lithium for batteries and electric vehicles, which shows it wants long-term industrial partnerships in Africa.
The move contrasts with protectionist policies in the US, where import duties are rising.
