Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that China will begin scrapping tariffs on imports from nearly every African country from May 1, a move expected to reshape trade flows and expand economic opportunities across the continent, Dip Connect Online News reports.
According to state media, Beijing will extend its existing zero-tariff policy — previously limited to 33 African nations — to 53 diplomatic partners. The only exception is Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, a territory China claims as part of its sovereign domain.
China, already Africa’s largest trading partner, has been a major financier of infrastructure across the region through its global development strategy, the Belt and Road framework. The expanded tariff waiver is expected to deepen commercial ties and open new export channels for African economies.
Xi said the policy “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” confirming the rollout date as leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual summit of the African Union.
The announcement comes amid shifting global trade dynamics. Several African countries have been seeking stronger partnerships with alternative markets after tariffs imposed worldwide last year by U.S. President Donald Trump affected international trade patterns.
Analysts say Beijing’s decision signals a strategic push to consolidate its economic influence while positioning itself as a preferred trade partner for developing economies.
AFP
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