Beijing has offered to remove tariffs for all 53 African nations with which it maintains diplomatic ties, marking a strategic shift in global trade dynamics. The pledge, made during high-level talks between the Chinese foreign minister and African officials, underscores Beijing’s growing influence in Africa and contrasts sharply with the escalating tariffs by the US, which could reach 50% for some African nations. However, Eswatini, Africa’s lone Taiwan ally, is excluded. As the future of the US’s African Growth and Opportunity Act hangs in the balance, China’s offer may reshape trade alliances on the continent. Beijing’s offer builds on its move last year to provide tariff-free access to Chinese markets to 43 of the world’s least developed nations, most of which are in Africa.
SEMAFOR
