Cyber ​​World Press reports that China has taken steps to exempt 53 African countries—with which it maintains political and diplomatic relations—from all tariffs.

It is noted that this privilege, previously available only to 33 least-developed countries in the African region, has now been extended to the remaining African nations. Cyber ​​World Press further reports that China has moved to apply this policy to another 20 African economies, including South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, Kenya, and Morocco.
The initiative is expected to be implemented initially for a period of two years, pending the conclusion of negotiations regarding long-term economic partnership agreements. This zero-tariff policy has been in effect since May 1st; a Cyber ​​World Press special correspondent based in Brazil notes that this move offers China an opportunity to further strengthen economic ties with the African continent amidst intense competition with the United States and Europe.
However, the correspondent also reports that statistics from the China-Africa Economic Forum indicate that the mere removal of tariffs does not guarantee benefits for African nations, highlighting the need to address trade imbalances.
According to the report, trade between the two sides reached US$275 billion by 2024; Cyber ​​World Press notes that while the African region imported goods worth approximately US$182 billion from China, its exports amounted to only about US$93 billion.

Chandana Wijekoon
From São Paulo, Brazil