China to Remove Customs Duties on Imports from 53 African Countries

China will remove customs duties on imports from 53 African countries starting May 1, according to an official announcement made on February 14 by President Xi Jinping. The strategic move is expected to further strengthen Beijing’s economic influence across the African continent.

Until now, China had already granted zero-tariff access to 33 African countries. Under the new measure, this benefit will be extended to 53 African states that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Only Eswatini is excluded, due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.

China is currently one of Africa’s leading trading partners and a major financier of infrastructure projects, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (New Silk Roads).

Since the increase in tariffs decided last year by U.S. President Donald Trump, several African countries have been shifting more of their trade and cooperation toward China.

China will remove customs duties on imports from 53 African countries starting May 1, according to an official announcement made on February 14 by President Xi Jinping. The strategic move is expected to further strengthen Beijing’s economic influence across the African continent.

Until now, China had already granted zero-tariff access to 33 African countries. Under the new measure, this benefit will be extended to 53 African states that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing. Only Eswatini is excluded, due to its diplomatic ties with Taiwan, which China considers a breakaway province.

China is currently one of Africa’s leading trading partners and a major financier of infrastructure projects, particularly through the Belt and Road Initiative (New Silk Roads).

Since the increase in tariffs decided last year by U.S. President Donald Trump, several African countries have been shifting more of their trade and cooperation toward China.