China removes tariffs on 53 African countries, excludes Eswatini over Taiwan ties
China will remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries starting May 1, according to state media, citing President Xi Jinping.
China currently applies a zero-tariff policy to imports from 33 African countries. Last year, Beijing announced plans to extend the policy to all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.
Under the new arrangement, zero levies will apply to all African countries except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to assert control over the island.
China is Africa’s largest trading partner and supports major infrastructure projects across the continent through its Belt and Road initiative.
Several African countries have increasingly turned to China and other trading partners after US President Donald Trump imposed steep tariffs worldwide last year.
Announcing the implementation date as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit, Xi said the zero-tariff deal “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.”
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
