We’ll scrap tariffs for almost all African countries from May, says China’s president Xi Jinping
By Sabiu Abdullahi
Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Saturday that Beijing will remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries starting May 1, according to state media reports.
Currently, China maintains a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African nations. However, last year, the government pledged to extend the policy to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent.
From May, the zero-tariff arrangement will apply to every African country except Eswatini, which continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
Xi highlighted the move during the annual African Union summit in Ethiopia, describing it as a significant boost for development across Africa.
“This will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” he said, underscoring China’s role as Africa’s largest trading partner.
The country has been a major supporter of infrastructure projects across the continent through its expansive “Belt and Road” initiative.
African nations are increasingly turning to China and other international partners for trade, following the imposition of steep tariffs by US President Donald Trump last year.
The zero-tariff policy is expected to strengthen trade ties between China and Africa, giving African exporters greater access to Chinese markets while encouraging economic growth in the region.