Tariff-Free Trade China-Africa Economic Partnership
In a significant move, China has announced the removal of tariffs on goods from all African countries, as part of its China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development. This initiative aims to facilitate greater market access for African exports, especially from least developed countries, and inject new momentum into China-Africa economic ties.
Previously, zero-tariff treatment was only available to 33 African countries. With this new policy, 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China will now have duty-free access to the world’s largest consumer market. Beijing plans to roll out measures related to market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade. According to the World Bank, this move is expected to increase African exports to China by 20% in 2025.
Chinese President Xi Jinping’s Vision
President Xi Jinping actively reaffirms China’s commitment to Tariff-Free Trade with all African countries having diplomatic ties. Consequently, China creates opportunities for African businesses to export high-quality products to the Chinese market. This significant shift in Africa-China trade fosters a more equitable trade partnership, benefiting businesses in both regions.
African Foreign Ministers Respond
As African foreign ministers gathered in central China to review the implementation of outcomes of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held last September, they welcomed China’s initiative. They also accused the United States of disrupting the global economic and trade order and harming the collective interests of the international community.
Training and Capacity Building
As part of the China-Africa Economic Partnership, China will train people in areas such as market access, inspection, and quarantine to help African countries take advantage of the new opportunity. According to reports, China has already trained over 1000 African professionals in e-commerce and logistics in 2024.
Expert Insights
Hannah Ryder, chief executive of the Beijing-based consultancy Development Reimagined, has been tracking China-Africa trade and says China’s move is “not just symbolic”. “It’s a structural shift in Africa-China trade relations,” she said. Tariff elimination alone was not enough. Exporters still face barriers like language, logistics, and e-commerce costs.”
China takes a significant step forward in strengthening economic ties with Africa through the China-Africa Economic Partnership. Specifically, China removes duties on goods from African nations, giving a major boost to exports from the least developed countries. As the continent’s largest partner, China injects new momentum into China-Africa economic ties. Consequently, Africa’s trade with China is expected to exceed 350 billion USD by 2025, according to the World Trade Organization. Furthermore, this cooperation moves towards a more inclusive and equitable relationship between China and Africa, promoting Tariff-Free Trade. This partnership will contribute to a more balanced global economy, fostering a win-win scenario for China and African countries.
Source: ENA