China announces continued facilitation of trade with Africa through significant tariff exemptions
China has announced its intention to further facilitate its trade with African countries, following the implementation of a tariff exemption policy for imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian told a news conference on Wednesday that the move reflects China and Africa's shared commitment to supporting global peace and development by promoting stability and economic cooperation, according to Xinhua News Agency.
Lin explained that this new policy, which will come into effect on May 1, 2026, comes against a backdrop of rising protectionist and unilateralist trends globally, stressing that the indirect repercussions of the situation in the Middle East extend to other regions.
He added that Beijing will continue to negotiate with the African countries concerned with a view to signing new economic partnership agreements, as well as the modernization of export circuits for African agricultural products to China, thus gradually and systematically strengthening trade between the two parties.
