By Spy Uganda
Chinese President Xi Jinping has announced that China will remove tariffs on imports from nearly all African countries beginning May 1, a move expected to deepen trade ties between Beijing and the continent.
According to state media, the new policy will expand an existing zero-tariff arrangement that already benefits 33 African nations. The initiative will now cover all 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing, marking one of the most significant trade openings between China and Africa in recent years.
China remains Africa’s largest trading partner and a major financier of infrastructure projects through the Belt and Road Initiative, which has funded railways, highways and energy developments across the region.
However, the tariff exemption will not apply to Eswatini, the only African country that maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan. Beijing considers Taiwan part of its territory and has repeatedly opposed countries maintaining official relations with the island.
The announcement comes at a time when many African economies are seeking alternative trade partnerships following global tariff increases introduced last year by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Xi said the expanded zero-tariff policy “will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development,” adding that it would help boost exports, industrial growth and economic cooperation.
He revealed the implementation date as African leaders gathered in Ethiopia for the annual summit of the African Union, where trade, economic integration and partnerships with global powers were key topics on the agenda.
Analysts say the decision could increase African access to Chinese markets while strengthening Beijing’s economic influence across the continent amid shifting global trade dynamics.
