China Implements Zero Tariffs for African Nations, Only Taiwan's Ally Eswatini Excluded
China has begun implementing zero tariffs for African nations today, with the exception of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan. This move is analyzed as a political maneuver by China to isolate Taiwan, with limited economic impact.
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- 📰 Published: May 1, 2026 at 20:19
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Central News Agency
(Central News Agency, London, 1st, comprehensive foreign report) China today began implementing zero-tariff benefits for all African countries, while Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, was excluded.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), as of December 2024, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy for 33 African countries. This policy scope has now expanded to 53 countries and will be valid until April 30, 2028. Beijing claims that China is the first major economy to offer unilateral zero-tariff treatment to Africa.
However, analysts point out that while China uses this to enhance its soft power, tariffs are not the main obstacle faced by African exporters.
Lauren Johnston, a senior research fellow at the AustChina Institute, noted that compared to the United States, China is trying to portray itself as an economic partner that promotes "trade liberalization" and "friend of Africa."
Last August, the United States imposed tariffs of up to 30% on some African countries. Although the Supreme Court overturned many of Trump's tariffs, most African countries still face 10% tariffs.
Johnston pointed out that although zero tariffs help African agricultural exports, thereby increasing rural incomes and improving rural productivity, ultimately reducing hunger and poverty, China's exports to Africa far exceed Africa's exports to China, and the trade imbalance continues to expand.
According to statistics, Africa's trade deficit with China significantly increased by 65% last year, reaching approximately US$102 billion. Africa's exports to China are still mainly raw materials such as crude oil and metal ores, and major trading partners include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa.
Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst at Oxford Economics Africa, pointed out that the zero-tariff policy alone cannot solve Africa's structural and infrastructure problems.
He pointed out that many African economies still face difficulties such as insufficient industrialization capacity, weak logistics systems, and over-reliance on exports of bulk raw materials.
China's implementation of zero tariffs for African countries, with the exclusion of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is considered a political maneuver by analysts, with limited economic impact.
Sung Wen-ti, a political scientist at the Australian National University, pointed out that by excluding Eswatini, Beijing is "weaponizing its relations with African countries and demonstrating the benefits of engaging with China... China wants to show the world how it treats its friends, in contrast to Taiwan's friends." (Compiler: Liu Shu-qin) 1150501
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(Central News Agency, London, 1st, comprehensive foreign report) China today began implementing zero-tariff benefits for all African countries, while Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, was excluded.
According to the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), as of December 2024, China has implemented a zero-tariff policy for 33 African countries. This policy scope has now expanded to 53 countries and will be valid until April 30, 2028. Beijing claims that China is the first major economy to offer unilateral zero-tariff treatment to Africa.
However, analysts point out that while China uses this to enhance its soft power, tariffs are not the main obstacle faced by African exporters.
Lauren Johnston, a senior research fellow at the AustChina Institute, noted that compared to the United States, China is trying to portray itself as an economic partner that promotes "trade liberalization" and "friend of Africa."
Last August, the United States imposed tariffs of up to 30% on some African countries. Although the Supreme Court overturned many of Trump's tariffs, most African countries still face 10% tariffs.
Johnston pointed out that although zero tariffs help African agricultural exports, thereby increasing rural incomes and improving rural productivity, ultimately reducing hunger and poverty, China's exports to Africa far exceed Africa's exports to China, and the trade imbalance continues to expand.
According to statistics, Africa's trade deficit with China significantly increased by 65% last year, reaching approximately US$102 billion. Africa's exports to China are still mainly raw materials such as crude oil and metal ores, and major trading partners include Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Africa.
Jervin Naidoo, a political analyst at Oxford Economics Africa, pointed out that the zero-tariff policy alone cannot solve Africa's structural and infrastructure problems.
He pointed out that many African economies still face difficulties such as insufficient industrialization capacity, weak logistics systems, and over-reliance on exports of bulk raw materials.
China's implementation of zero tariffs for African countries, with the exclusion of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is considered a political maneuver by analysts, with limited economic impact.
Sung Wen-ti, a political scientist at the Australian National University, pointed out that by excluding Eswatini, Beijing is "weaponizing its relations with African countries and demonstrating the benefits of engaging with China... China wants to show the world how it treats its friends, in contrast to Taiwan's friends." (Compiler: Liu Shu-qin) 1150501
Choose to stand with facts; every sponsorship you provide is a force for protecting press freedom.
Download the Central News Agency "First-hand News" APP to stay updated with the latest news.
Without authorization, the text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, or publicly transmitted and used.