In a strategic move to deepen its trade relations with the African continent, China has announced it will eliminate tariffs on imports from all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, Rks News reports.
The announcement was made during a high-level China-Africa meeting and comes at a time when several African nations are facing the possibility of increased tariffs from the United States.
China, Africa’s largest trading partner for the past 15 years, imported goods worth approximately $170 billion in 2023. The new policy expands on last year’s agreement that removed tariffs for 33 “least developed” countries, now also including major economies like South Africa and Nigeria.
The only exception is Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan as an independent state — a stance that violates Beijing’s “One China” policy.
China’s move is seen as a counter to the protectionist approach of the Trump administration, which has signaled intentions to impose new tariffs on imports from several countries, including some in Africa. Meanwhile, the U.S.-Africa trade agreement (AGOA), which currently allows duty-free trade, remains uncertain amid discussions of potential new tariffs.
Participants at the China-Africa summit condemned unilateral tariffs imposed by some nations and called for a global economic order based on “equality, respect, and mutual benefit.”
