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20 more countries added to the existing 33 tariff-free beneficiary countries... Eswatini excluded
China will expand and implement temporary 'tariff-free measures' for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties starting next month, embarking on expanding economic cooperation.
According to China's state-run Xinhua News Agency on the 29th, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced yesterday that from the 1st of next month until April 30, 2028, among African countries with diplomatic relations with China, in addition to the existing 33 least developed countries (LDCs) already enjoying tariff-free treatment, 'tariff-free' treatment in the form of preferential tariff rates will be applied to another 20 countries.
However, the Customs Tariff Commission explained that for items subject to Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ), the tariff rate will be reduced to 0% only for quantities within the quota, and existing tariffs will be maintained for quantities exceeding the quota.
During the period of these measures, China also plans to continuously promote the signing of Economic Partnership Agreements for joint development with African countries.
Previously, China has been implementing tariff-free treatment for all items for 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic relations with China since December 1, 2024.
Accordingly, among the 54 African UN member states, all other countries are included in China's tariff-free benefit scheme, excluding Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan.
China's Ministry of Commerce stated that this measure is aimed at expanding opening-up and deepening China-Africa cooperation, and will provide new impetus for trade and investment cooperation.
It also emphasized that on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa, cooperation, including the signing of Economic Partnership Agreements, will continue to be expanded.
Lin Jian, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, emphasized at a regular press briefing today that "the tariff-free measure is an expression of China's willingness to voluntarily expand opening-up and assume more international responsibilities," and "aims to share opportunities with Africa and achieve common development."
He added that "this measure will be a continuous driving force for the high-quality development of China-Africa cooperation," and "will inject new vitality into cooperation among the Global South (mainly emerging and developing countries in the Southern Hemisphere)."
This measure is interpreted as a strategic move to counter the US-centric international order and expand influence in the Global South.
Analysis suggests that the underlying intention is to strengthen economic cooperation and broaden the foundation of friendship through market opening targeting African countries.
Notably, the exclusion of Eswatini, which has diplomatic relations with Taiwan, from this list is also noteworthy.
It is interpreted as a strategy to limit Taiwan's diplomatic space while gaining an advantage in the competition for influence in Africa.
Previously, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te recently sought to visit Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, but the plan was thwarted as Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar denied overflight permission.
The Taiwanese government claimed that Chinese authorities exerted strong pressure (on these three countries), including economic coercion.
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