Overview
- China’s Ministry of Finance said it will apply zero import tariffs to goods from 53 African countries that have diplomatic ties with Beijing for a two-year period.
- Officials said the cut applies to eligible goods, with products under tariff‑rate quotas taxed at zero only up to the quota and normal rates charged on volumes above it.
- The State Council Tariff Commission formalized the move after an earlier policy covered 33 least‑developed African nations, adding 20 more diplomatic partners to reach near‑universal coverage.
- Eswatini is not included because it recognizes Taiwan, a gap highlighted after Taiwan said regional overflight denials disrupted its president’s planned visit to the country.
- China links the tariff step to Forum on China‑Africa Cooperation goals and talks on Joint Development Economic Partnership Agreements, while outside analysts see a bid to grow influence across the Global South.