China Expands Tariff-Free Treatment to 53 African Countries, Excluding Those with Diplomatic Ties to Taiwan, Starting Next Month (Comprehensive)

China Expands Tariff-Free Treatment to 53 African Countries, Excluding Those with Diplomatic Ties to Taiwan, Starting Next Month (Comprehensive)

20 additional countries to the existing 33 tariff-free beneficiary countries... Eswatini excluded

China will expand and implement temporary 'tariff-free measures' for 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China starting next month, aiming to expand economic cooperation.

According to China's official Xinhua News Agency on the 29th, the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced yesterday that from May 1st to April 30th, 2028, 'tariff-free' treatment in the form of preferential tariff rates will be applied to an additional 20 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, beyond the existing 33 least developed countries that already receive tariff-free treatment.

However, the Customs Tariff Commission explained that for items subject to Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ), the tariff rate will be lowered to 0% only for quantities within the quota, while existing tariffs will be maintained for quantities exceeding the quota.

During this period, China also plans to continue promoting the signing of economic partnership agreements with African countries for common development.

Previously, China has been implementing tariff-free treatment for all items for 33 least developed African countries that have diplomatic relations with China since December 1, 2024.

As a result, among the 54 African UN member states, all countries except Eswatini, which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, are included in China's tariff-free benefits.

China's Ministry of Commerce stated that this measure is aimed at expanding opening-up and deepening China-Africa cooperation, and will provide new momentum 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.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian emphasized at a regular briefing today that "the tariff-free measure is an expression of China's willingness to voluntarily expand opening-up and undertake more international obligations," adding, "It aims to share opportunities and achieve common development with Africa."

He further added, "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 expand influence in the Global South in response to the US-centric international order.

Analysis suggests that the underlying intention is to strengthen economic cooperation and broaden the foundation of friendship by opening up markets to African countries.

Notably, the exclusion of Eswatini, which has diplomatic ties with Taiwan, from this measure is also striking.

This is interpreted as a strategy to limit Taiwan's diplomatic space while gaining an advantage in the competition for influence in Africa.

Previously, Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te sought to visit Eswatini, Taiwan's only diplomatic ally in Africa, but the plan was thwarted when Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar denied permission for overflight.

The Taiwanese government claimed that the Chinese authorities exerted strong pressure, including economic coercion, on these three countries.