BEIJING: China will implement zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, starting May 1 according to state media reports. The move marks a major expansion of Beijing’s trade policy toward the continent.
China already applies a zero tariff policy to imports from 33 African nations, but last year it announced plans to extend the benefit to all African diplomatic partners. The new arrangement will exclude only Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan.
State television reported that China will also accelerate negotiations on joint economic partnership agreements and further expand market access for African exports. Mechanisms such as the green channel designed to ease trade flows, will be upgraded to facilitate African goods entering the Chinese market.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a key investor in regional infrastructure through its Belt and Road Initiative. Officials say the policy aims to strengthen economic ties and support African development.
President Xi Jinping said the zero tariff initiative would create new opportunities for African development. The announcement coincided with African leaders gathering in Ethiopia for the African Union summit highlighting China’s growing economic engagement with the continent amid shifting global trade dynamics.
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