Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Xi Jinping announced that China will begin implementing full tariff exemptions on imports from all African countries starting May 1st. The only exception is Eswatini, due to its continued diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
The announcement was made during the Chinese president’s participation in the annual African Union summit in Addis Ababa. He affirmed that the decision “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development.” In fact, this move is part of China’s efforts to expand its economic partnership with African nations.
Expanding the scope of customs exemptions
Beijing currently applies a tariff-free policy to imports from 33 African countries. However, last year it announced its intention to extend the exemption to all 53 of its diplomatic partners on the continent. As of May, the decision will be fully implemented. The only exception is Eswatini, the only African country that maintains formal relations with Taiwan.
China claims sovereignty over Taiwan, the self-governed island. It has repeatedly threatened to use force to retake it if necessary.
The continent’s premier trading partner
China is Africa’s largest trading partner and a major supporter of infrastructure projects on the continent through its Belt and Road Initiative. This decision comes at a time when several African countries are seeking to diversify their trade partnerships. In particular, this follows the imposition of high tariffs by the US administration last year on a number of countries.
The new tariff exemption is seen as a step toward boosting trade and increasing African exports to the Chinese market. As a result, it will support economic growth on the continent.
