Xi Jinping on Saturday pledged that China will remove tariffs on imports from all African countries starting May 1, a move aimed at boosting trade and economic cooperation across the continent, according to state media reports.
The announcement noted a single exception: Eswatini will not benefit from the tariff waiver, as it maintains formal diplomatic relations with Taiwan—which China claims as part of its territory and has not ruled out taking by force.
Currently, China already maintained a zero-tariff policy for imports from 33 African nations.
Last year, Beijing indicated its intention to extend the program to all 53 of its diplomatic partners in Africa.
The upcoming expansion is part of China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its role as Africa’s largest trading partner and a leading financier of infrastructure projects on the continent, particularly through its vast Belt and Road Initiative.
“This zero-tariff initiative will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” Xi said, unveiling the plan as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual African Union summit.
The timing of China’s pledge comes amid growing interest from African nations in diversifying trade partnerships, particularly in light of recent U.S.-imposed tariffs under former President Donald Trump, which affected global trade dynamics.
Analysts said the policy could enhance imports of African commodities into China, promote industrial cooperation, and cement China’s influence as a key economic partner on the continent, while offering African countries a potential counterbalance to Western trade pressures.
