On July 15, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose over 10% tariffs on smaller countries, including many in Africa and the Caribbean. In sharp contrast, China reiterated just days ago that it will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic ties with China. This is on top of the list of 43 least-developed countries that already enjoy this policy with China. What can we learn from the two very different approaches towards trade with African countries? What impact can we expect from China's zero-tariff policy for African countries?