China will grant zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent of tariff lines to all least developed countries (LDCs) with which it has diplomatic relations. Image: Xinhua News
(The Post News)- China has announced it will scrap all tariffs on imports from 53 African countries it holds diplomatic relations with, a move officials say is aimed at boosting trade and strengthening ties with the continent. South Africa and Eswatini, notably, are not on the list.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian confirmed the policy shift during a ministerial meeting of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in Changsha, Hunan Province, on Wednesday. The meeting brought together representatives from African countries and Chinese officials to assess progress on previous FOCAC commitments.
Lin told reporters the new tariff-free access applies to “100 percent of tariff lines” for African least developed countries (LDCs) that recognise China diplomatically. The initiative is expected to help increase exports to China by easing trade restrictions. “The meeting showcases the implementation of the cooperation achievements of the Beijing Summit by China and Africa,” Lin said, adding that the new policy also forms part of efforts to deepen solidarity within the Global South.
Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory letter to the summit, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to creating an “all-weather China-Africa community” based on shared development goals. Xi also promised continued support under the “10 partnership actions” announced during previous summits. While many welcomed the zero-tariff announcement, the exclusion of South Africa and Eswatini has raised eyebrows. Eswatini maintains official ties with Taiwan, which China does not recognise. South Africa, on the other hand, has full diplomatic relations with Beijing but is not classified as a least developed country and therefore does not qualify for the benefit.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who opened the meeting, outlined five new initiatives to deepen cooperation with Africa. These include enhanced trade ties, stronger people-to-people connections, cultural exchanges, and promoting unity among Global South countries. According to Lin, China has remained Africa’s largest trading partner for 16 years. Since the Beijing Summit last year, Chinese investments in Africa have topped R46 billion (roughly US$1.85 billion), with total financial support now exceeding R520 billion.
In just the first five months of this year, trade between China and African countries reached a record high of R963 billion, reflecting a 12.4% increase year-on-year, Lin said. The zero-tariff policy comes ahead of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, also set to take place in Changsha. Although South Africa isn’t benefiting directly from this latest announcement, it remains a key partner in broader China-Africa relations.
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