China has announced plans to offer zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties.
- China will grant zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, excluding Eswatini.
- The measure aims to deepen China’s economic cooperation and strengthen its partnership in trade and investment with Africa.
- China’s initiative aligns with its strategy to bolster imports from Africa amid its own economic slowdown.
China has announced plans to offer zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic ties, deepening economic cooperation as it positions itself as a key trade and investment partner.
However, the offer excludes Eswatini, the only African nation recognising Taiwan’s sovereignty.
The announcement was made in a joint statement issued after a high-level meeting between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and African officials in the city of Changsha, Hunan province.
DON’T MISS THIS: Top 10 African countries with the highest cumulative debt to China (2000–2023)
The talks come amid growing trade tensions between African nations and the United States.
The joint China-Africa statement called on countries, especially the U.S., to “return to the right track” of resolving trade disputes through dialogue based on mutual respect.
The call follows President Trump’s recent protectionist move, which slapped steep new levies on several African countries.
These included tariffs of up to 50% on imports from Lesotho, 47% from Madagascar, 40% from Mauritius, 38% from Botswana, and 31% from South Africa, the continent’s most industrialised country and largest exporter to the U.S.
DON’T MISS THIS: China reinforces African presence with increased mineral investments
The statement also expressed strong opposition to any nation securing trade advantages “at the expense of the interests of other countries.”
Easing pressure at home
As China’s domestic economy slows, it has increased economic engagement with African nations, emerging as the continent’s largest lender and a major infrastructure partner.
Beijing’s proposed zero-tariff initiative is seen as a strategic move to boost imports from Africa while offering a lifeline to Chinese state-owned firms struggling with declining demand at home.
