Africa chooses who respects her, not who threatens

China expands partnership with Africa and eliminates tariffs to all countries on the continent – a contrast to western protectionism

While the world watches a growing wave of commercial barriers and protectionist measures, China takes a historic step: it will eliminate all tariffs on imports from the 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The announcement, made during a sino-African cooperation meeting, not only reinforces economic ties between the two sides, but also marks a clear contrast to the aggressive policy of the United States, which insists on imposing abusive tariffs on African products.

But this decision goes beyond numbers and percentages. It is a strong political gesture that shows a trade model based on mutual respect, equality and solidarity – values ​​that many western powers seem to have forgotten. While the US and Europe press Africa with conditions and demands, China consolidates itself as a partner who offers real opportunities without submitting the continent to geopolitical games.

Also read: against the US, China releases African trade

15 years ago at the top: China is Africa’s largest commercial partner

It is not today that China leads trade relations with Africa. For over 15 years, the Asian country occupies the post of main economic partner of the continent. In 2023, African exports to China beat the US $ 170 billion – A number that speaks by itself.

But what really differentiates Beijing from the old colonial powers? While Europe and the US traditionally extracted Africa’s riches without leaving much in return, China has invested heavily in infrastructure, technology and industrial partnerships. Roads, railways, ports, and power grids are being built, creating concrete bases for sustainable development.

Zero tariff for (almost) all: a political exception

The new measure expands an earlier agreement, which already benefited 33 from the poorest African countries. Now, all African nations with diplomatic relations with China – including giants such as Nigeria and South Africa – will have access to the Chinese market without tariffs.

There is only one exception: This (formerly Swaziland), which maintains ties with Taiwan. For Beijing, this is an unenforceable issue, as China does not recognize Taiwanese independence and firmly defends the policy of “One China”.

USA vs. China: Two worldviews in shock

While China opens its doors, the US continues in the opposite direction. During the Trump government, Washington imposed absurd rates on African products – 50% for Lesoto, 30% for South Africa and 14% for Nigeria. Although some have been suspended, the threat of resumption hangs in the air, depending on African submission to US demands.

O African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)Program that should facilitate access to African products to the US market has been shown in practice a tool for political pressure. Americans use the deal to force ideological and strategic alignments – something China doesn’t do.

Beijing, on the contrary, does not impose political conditions. Its trade with Africa is based on mutual interestsnot blackmail. No wonder, more and more African countries have preferred the Chinese partnership instead of the unbalanced relationship with the West.

What changes in practice?

The elimination of tariffs will have deep impacts:

• Raw material exporting countriesas a republic of Congo and Guinea, they gain a giant and stable market for their resources.
• African economies can diversifyincreasing the competitiveness of its products in the global market.
• The US risks losing influence: In 2024, only $ 39.5 billion in African products – much less than China. If they continue with hostile policies, Washington can see his presence in Africa will define even more.

A new model of international relations

The Sino African partnership is not just about money. It represents a paradigm change:

• Multipolarity: The world no longer revolves around the USA-Europe axis.
• Respect for sovereignty: China does not impose governments, does not require “democratic reforms” in exchange for investments.
• South-South Cooperation: Developing countries creating their own rules, far from Western tutelage.

While western media tries to paint China as a “new colonialist”, the reality is that Chinese infrastructure investments – railways, ports, energy – are helping Africa connect and grow in truth.

China’s decision is a milestone. It shows that international trade can be a development tool, not domination. While the US insists on aggressive policies, Beijing bets on cooperation.

For Africa, that means more autonomy, more opportunities and less dependence of the traditional powers. And for the world, it serves as an example: a fairer and more balanced future is possible – as long as there is mutual respect.

While some close doors, China opens them. And Africa is increasingly choosing its way.

With information from BBC and Cafezinho*