Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on 14/2 that Beijing would apply a 0% tariff rate for all 53 African nations, with the exception of Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, AFP reported.

President Xi Jinping believes this tariff exemption policy "is certain to bring new opportunities for Africa's development". The statement was made as African leaders are meeting in Ethiopia to attend the annual African Union summit.

China had already implemented a 0% tariff policy for imports from 33 African countries. Last year, Beijing announced it would extend this policy to all its diplomatic partners on the continent.

Currently, China is Africa's largest trade partner and a key financier for many large infrastructure projects in the region through the Belt and Road Initiative.

Many African nations are working to diversify trade relations by engaging with China and other countries, especially after US President Donald Trump imposed high global tariffs last year.

Phuong Dung (According to AFP)