In contrast to the US, China frees African commerce

By expanding tariff exemption, China redefines the rules of international cooperation and challenges the United States’ punitive hegemony

In a gesture that reinforces its position as Africa’s main economic partner, China announced this week its willingness to eliminate tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The measure, announced during a sino-African cooperation meeting, emerges at a crucial time when the continent faces the threat of increasing tariffs from the United States.

For 15 consecutive years, China has maintained as Africa’s largest commercial partner, consolidating a relationship based on infrastructure investments, technology transfer and fair trade. In 2023, African exports to the Asian giant reached the $ 170 billion mark, a record that demonstrates the strength of this partnership.

In a joint statement, the ministers present at the meeting harshly criticized the protectionist policies of “certain countries” – a clear reference to the United States – which, according to them, seek to destabilize the global economic order through unilateral measures. The document also urged Washington to resolve trade disputes based on the principles of “equality, respect and mutual benefit,” values ​​that China claims to practice in its relations with the global south.

Tariff exemption

The new measure is an expansion of an agreement signed last year, when China has zeroed the rates for 33 African nations considered “less developed”. Now the exemption will be extended to all the continent’s trading partners, including more robust economies, such as South Africa and Nigeria.

The only exception is Essuatini (formerly Swaziland), which maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, follows a non -concession policy to countries that challenge their sovereignty.

While China expands its cooperation with Africa, the United States, under the leadership of President Donald Trump, threaten to impose abusive tariffs on African products. In April, Trump announced rates of up to 50% for Lesoto, 30% for South Africa and 14% for Nigeria – measures that generated alarm among African business partners.

Despite a temporary suspension, the US government made it clear that the charge may be resumed if countries do not negotiate with “good faith”. This stance contrasts strongly with Chinese politics, which seeks stable and mutually advantageous trade relations.

Economic and geopolitical impact

Africa exports to China mainly raw materials such as ores and oil, especially the Republic of Congo and Guinea. The elimination of tariffs should further strengthen these ties, ensuring privileged access to the world’s largest consumer market.

Meanwhile, the US, which in 2024 imported $ 39.5 billion in African products – many of them under the preferential African Growth and Opportunity Act regime – risk losing space in the region if they insist on aggressive trade policies.

China’s decision reflects not only an economic strategy, but also a political commitment to African development. While Western powers adopt protectionist measures, Beijing is positioned as a reliable ally, willing to build a multipolar world based on cooperation and respect for the sovereignty of peoples.

For Africa, this partnership represents a historical opportunity for autonomous growth, far from the strings of economic neocolonialism. And for the world, it serves as an example of how international trade can – and should – be a tool for collective development, not domination.

With information from BBC*