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yesterday

China and 53 African Countries Call on U.S. to Reset Trade Talks

Issued after U.S. tariffs on African exports, the statement underscores China’s offer of zero-duty access to its 53 diplomatic partners.

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Shipping containers are seen at the port of Oakland, as trade tensions continued over U.S. tariffs with China, in Oakland, California, U.S., May 12, 2025. REUTERS/Carlos Barria/File Photo
The Container Terminal in Durban, South Africa. China is trying to attract trade with African nations by offering no tariffs on imports from nearly every country in the continent.

Overview

  • The joint statement urges all countries, especially the United States, to resolve trade disputes through consultations based on equality, respect and reciprocity.
  • It follows the White House’s April 2 “Liberation Day” tariff announcement that imposed levies of up to 50% on Lesotho, 47% on Madagascar, 40% on Mauritius, 38% on Botswana and 31% on South Africa.
  • China pledged to grant zero-tariff treatment to goods from its 53 African diplomatic partners, excluding Eswatini as the sole African supporter of Taiwan.
  • The China-Africa communiqué, on behalf of the African Union Commission, opposed any trade compromise reached at the expense of other countries’ interests.
  • With its economy slowing, China has become Africa’s largest lender and expanded cooperation in agriculture, infrastructure, electric vehicles and solar panels to tap new markets.