Starting on May 1, China will eliminate import taxes from nearly all African nations, a move that may change the nature of trade between Beijing and the continent.
Chinese state media reported that President Xi Jinping confirmed on Saturday that 53 African countries with which China has diplomatic ties will be exempt from tariffs.
Eswatini is the lone exception, acknowledging Taiwan rather than Beijing. China has stated repeatedly that it does not rule out using force to subjugate the self-governing island, which it considers to be part of its territory.
A zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African nations had previously been implemented by Beijing. However, Chinese authorities stated last year that the agreement would be extended to all African diplomatic partners. The announcement on Saturday confirms that the broader policy will now go into force at the start of May.
As Africa’s biggest trading partner, China has made significant investments throughout the continent through its centerpiece Belt and Road Initiative, funding energy projects, ports, railroads, and highways.
Many African governments are currently reviewing their international trade connections in light of the tariff decision.
Following last year’s global imposition of broad tariffs by former US President Donald Trump, which caused changes in trade dynamics, a number of nations have been looking for other markets.
While African leaders gathered in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union summit, Xi revealed the schedule and stated that the zero-tariff agreement “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.”
