With the exception of one country… China cancels customs duties on African imports

China currently applies a policy of exemption from customs duties on the imports of 33 African countries, but last year Beijing announced its intention to expand the scope of this policy to include all of its 53 diplomatic partners on the continent.

Chinese customs duties

China is Africa’s largest trading partner, and a major supporter of major infrastructure projects in the region through an initiative "Belt and Road" Ambitious.

As of May 1, the exemption from duties will apply to all African countries except Eswatini, which has diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China claims the autonomous island, and has threatened to restore it, even by force.

Heavy customs duties

The eyes of many African countries are increasingly turning towards China and other trading partners, since US President Donald Trump imposed heavy customs duties on various countries of the world last year.

Xi Jinping said that the tariff exemption agreement "It will undoubtedly provide new opportunities for African development"Announcing this date during the meeting of the continent’s leaders in Ethiopia at the annual summit of the African Union.