Zero-tariff Policy Between China And Africa Continues To Deliver Dividends; African Trailer Orders Enter Peak Season in The Second Half Of The Year

Since May 1, 2026, China has officially implemented a zero-tariff policy for 53 African diplomatic partner countries, valid until April 30, 2028. The policy covers complete semi-trailers as well as core chassis components including axles and suspensions. Before the policy took effect, African importers were generally subject to 15%~25% import tariffs on Chinese trailers and spare parts. The tariff exemption greatly cuts overall procurement costs and directly fuels strong demand for engineering transport trailers.
As China's largest trailer industrial cluster, Liangshan Trailer Industrial Park in Shandong released order statistics. Overseas orders for low-bed semi-trailers and tipper semi-trailers shipped to Africa rose by 23% month-on-month in July. Ghana, Congo (Brazzaville), Kenya and Tanzania are core markets in this purchasing boom. Local infrastructure contractors and mining logistics companies are placing bulk orders for heavy-duty engineering trailers. In terms of chassis configuration, exported engineering trailers bound for Africa show obvious preference: most vehicles are equipped with 13-ton and 16-ton drum brake axles matched with mechanical suspensions.
Core Logic Behind Market Demand
Numerous mining roads and rural routes across Africa are rough, bumpy and dusty. Logistics fleets tend to adopt chassis solutions featuring simple structures, convenient maintenance and highly universal spare parts. Drum brake axles adapt to harsh working conditions with low maintenance barriers. Multi-leaf spring mechanical suspensions deliver excellent impact resistance. Compared with air suspensions, mechanical suspensions have lower purchase and maintenance costs, which well fit the current situation of Africa's transportation industry. Industry insiders mentioned that FUWA American-style drum brake axles act as the mainstream benchmark locally. Domestic trailer and component manufacturers are more likely to gain customer recognition by developing reinforced heavy-duty products based on this technical route.
From the perspective of trade chains, the policy brings two-way benefits. On one hand, African mineral and agricultural products exported to China enjoy zero tariffs, boosting local foreign exchange earnings and enabling local enterprises to purchase more transport equipment. On the other hand, Chinese manufacturers of trailers and axles see slightly lower costs when importing raw materials such as iron ore from Africa, further strengthening the price competitiveness of Chinese chassis products in Africa.
Intensified Industrial Competition & Emerging Market Challenges
Along with rising orders, market competition is heating up simultaneously. Local trailer manufacturers from Turkey and India keep capturing markets in the Middle East and North Africa relying on geographical advantages, competing directly with Chinese products.
Meanwhile, a US dollar shortage persists in some African countries. Importers in nations including Nigeria and Egypt face longer cycles to obtain foreign exchange. Manufacturers need to properly control risks arising from credit terms.
In addition, enjoying zero tariffs requires strict compliance with rules of origin and standardized application of Certificates of Origin. Many small foreign trade enterprises fail to qualify for tariff reduction due to incomplete documentation of component procurement. Manufacturers with integrated production chains and complete chassis supply capacity enjoy growing competitive edges.
Market Outlook for the Second Half of the Year
The industry generally forecasts that the export peak season for African trailers will last until October. In the short term, heavy-duty chassis solutions consisting of drum brake axles and mechanical suspensions will remain mainstream across African markets.
For axle and suspension supporting manufacturers, Africa remains the most important growth market. Besides stable supply for complete trailer OEMs, enterprises can expand the business of replacement spare parts such as wheel hubs, brake shoes and bearings. Early exported trailers are gradually entering overhaul cycles, creating great opportunities in the aftermarket.
In the long run, with the continuous advancement of the African Continental Free Trade Area and the expansion of large logistics enterprises, demand for high-end cold chain and dangerous goods transport will grow steadily, bringing new opportunities for disc brake axles and air suspensions. Nevertheless, cost-effective heavy-duty drum brake chassis will not be replaced in the short term.