Overview

• China has pledged to remove all tariffs on imports from 53 African nations, excluding Eswatini.
• The policy counters US duties that reached up to 50% on goods from Lesotho, 47% from Madagascar, 40% from Mauritius, 38% from Botswana and 31% from South Africa.
• In a joint declaration, China and African Union members urged Washington to resolve trade disputes through equal and respectful consultations.
• China has been Africa’s top trading partner for the past 15 years and has expanded cooperation in sectors from agriculture to infrastructure.
• African officials hailed the zero-tariff initiative for enhancing market access and diversifying exports ahead of the African Growth and Opportunity Act’s September expiration.