In a move to boost the China-Africa trade, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, has pledged zero-tariff access to all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China, excluding Eswatini.
This decision was unveiled in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, after a high-level meeting between the Chinese Foreign Minister and African officials.
Addressing the press after the high-level meeting, Yi asserted that the zero-tariff arrangements will benefit a lot of African countries and potentially boost their export markets and reduce trade deficits.
He said the move is also part of efforts made by Chinese President Xi Jinping to boost China-Africa trade.
To do this, Yi explained that the Chinese Government will roll out measures related to market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade.
He also said the Chinese government would train people in Africa to help carry out the measures and expand the promotion of quality products from these nations.
The Chinese Foreign Minister also called on countries, especially the United States, to “return to the right track” of resolving trade disputes through dialogue based on mutual respect.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that China’s decision to eliminate tariffs on 100% of tariff lines for 53 African nations is a counterpoint to recent U.S. trade policies, which have imposed tariffs as high as 50% on some African countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump recently slapped steep new levies on several African countries.
Trump slapped 14% tariffs on imports from Nigeria.
These included tariffs of up to 50% on imports from Lesotho, 47% from Madagascar, 40% from Mauritius, 38% from Botswana, and 31% from South Africa.
