China to remove tariffs for nearly all African nations from May 1
China will eliminate tariffs on imports from almost all African countries starting May 1, President Xi Jinping announced on Saturday, according to state media.
The zero-tariff policy will apply to all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with Beijing, expanding an existing arrangement that already covers 33 nations. The only exception will be Eswatini, which continues to recognise Taiwan diplomatically.
China, Africa’s largest trading partner, has played a major role in financing and building infrastructure projects across the continent under its Belt and Road initiative.
Beijing confirmed last year that it planned to extend its duty-free treatment to all African diplomatic partners, a move aimed at deepening trade and economic ties.
Announcing the implementation date as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit, Xi said the measure would create fresh opportunities for African development.
The policy shift comes as many African nations seek to diversify trade partnerships following the imposition of steep global tariffs by US President Donald Trump last year.
China considers Taiwan part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to bring the self-governed island under its control.
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