China announces zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations

The Chinese government has announced it will grant zero-tariff treatment for 100% of tariff lines to 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations.

The announcement was made via a letter from Chinese President Xi Jinping to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). In the letter, President Xi also mentioned providing more facilitation for exports from Africa’s least developed countries.

During the meeting, Foreign Minister Wang Yi presented five proposals regarding the future of China-Africa cooperation. He stated that the two sides should support each other, be open to the world, pursue mutual benefit, uphold their view of an equitable international order, and carry out cultural exchanges.

Key outcomes from the gathering included the China-Africa Changsha Declaration on Upholding Solidarity and Cooperation of the Global South and a list detailing the implementation status of actions from the previous FOCAC Beijing Summit. A concept paper was also released for a "2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges," which is described as an initiative to foster cultural ties.

These policy announcements occur against a backdrop of significant trade between China and African countries. According to Chinese figures, the country has been Africa's largest trading partner for 16 consecutive years. The spokesperson noted that since the last FOCAC summit, China has made an additional investment of over RMB 13.3 billion and provided funding of more than RMB 150 billion to Africa.

Official data shows that in the first five months of this year, China’s trade with Africa reached RMB 963 billion, a 12.4 % increase year-on-year.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian commented on the policy, stating, "China always views enhancing solidarity and cooperation with African countries as an important cornerstone of our foreign policy."

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