South Africa's largest trading partner China has pledged to eliminate import tariffs on goods from all 53 African nations
Image: Presidency
South Africa's largest trading partner China has pledged to eliminate import tariffs on goods from all 53 African nations with which it has formal diplomatic ties.
The announcement was made during the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators for the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), held in Changsha earlier this week.
According to the official Changsha Declaration, China intends to expand zero-tariff treatment to cover 100 % of tariff lines for African countries.
"China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market.
"For the least developed countries in Africa, on top of the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC, China will roll out measures on market access, inspection and quarantine, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality products.
The declaration also noted that the "the frequent occurrence of unilateralism, protectionism, and economic bullying has severely hindered economic and social development and improved livelihoods in African countries".
Last month, US President Donald Trump announced a 10% tariff on all imports to the US, along with additional reciprocal tariffs for several countries, including a 30% tariff on South African goods.
However, he later paused these higher tariffs for 90 days for most countries, except China, which faced a 145% tariff.
IOL also previously reported that The future of South Africa’s trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) remains uncertain, as the relationship between South Africa and the US continues to worsen.
Wandile sihlobo chief economist of the Agricultural Business Chamber of South Africa (Agbiz), said the move by the Chinese government to lower tariffs would benefit the agricultural sector in the country.
"We are yet to receive more details on China’s intentions to lower import tariffs for various African countries. What is worth emphasising for now is that, from a South African agricultural perspective, this would be a welcome development," he said.
"China has a profound importance in global agriculture. In 2023, China was a leading importer, accounting for 11% of global agricultural imports, with imports valued at US$218 billion,".