BEIJING, 13 March. - (ANA) - Beijing’s removal of import duties on African exports has been marketed as a “gift” by the Chinese government on the back of fluctuating new US tariffs.

 

However, in reality, so much of Africa’s exports are based on raw or minimally processed metals and minerals — which are very often mined by Chinese companies. 

 

Therefore, the new duty-free policy is actually a win-win for Beijing on both sides of the transaction, Bonnie Girard argues for The Diplomat: “Having the state itself reduce, or in this case, wipe out duties is a major help to maintain downward price pressure,” pushing Africa further into an extractive trade dynamic.

 

Building on previous legislation, which had already dropped duties for imports from 33 Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa, the move is meant to be seen as a notable step toward furthering China’s relationship with the countries of the African continent.

 

Accordingly, the Chinese government has sought to publicize its zero-duty policy for Africa in glowing terms, from the top down. President Xi Jinping announced the policy at the African Union Summit. It was discussed at meetings of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and even during WTO meetings in Geneva. 

 

A closer look, however, supports the theory that this Chinese initiative, purportedly made on behalf of the welfare of African sellers, aggravates and accelerates one of Africa’s most pressing economic problems: economic over-dependence on the export of raw and minimally-processed minerals and materials.

 

Indeed, many African countries are highly dependent on the export of minerals, and mostly minerals in a raw or minimally processed state.   - (ANA) -

 

AB/ANA/13 March 2026 - - -