China drops tariffs for Africa

China expanded zero-tariff treatment on May 1 to imports from 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, according to Chinese state media and other reports. The move widened a policy that had already covered 33 of Africa’s least developed countries and left Eswatini as the only African country outside the arrangement because it maintains formal ties with Taiwan. Beijing said the change would promote exports and industrialization in Africa. ### Which African countries are covered, and which one is not? China’s Customs Tariff Commission said the zero-tariff treatment now applies to all 53 African countries with which Beijing has diplomatic relations, effective May 1. Chinese state media said the first shipment to clear under the expanded policy was 24 tonnes of South African apples through Shenzhen. (english.gov.cn) Eswatini is the exception. U.S. News, citing China’s policy, said Eswatini is the only African country not eligible because it maintains formal diplomatic ties with Taiwan rather than Beijing. ### Why did Beijing make the change now? May 1 was the start date China gave when it announced the broader tariff waiver earlier this year. (english.gov.cn) Chinese state media said the expansion was intended to create “new opportunities” for African exports and industrialization amid what it described as global protectionism. Newsmax and other outlets framed the move as part of Beijing’s effort to present itself as a more open trade partner for developing economies while the United States and Europe rely more heavily on tariffs and industrial defenses. (usnews.com) That characterization comes from those reports; Chinese official language focused on development and bilateral cooperation. ### What was France saying about China at the same time? (english.gov.cn) Nicolas Forissier, France’s minister delegate for foreign trade and economic attractiveness, told Euronews on May 23 that China would “not win” by pursuing a trade policy that jeopardized Europe’s industry and market. He also said the European Union should stop being “naive” in dealing with countries that weaponize commercial dependencies. (newsmax.com) Euronews reported that Forissier’s comments came as the European Union debated how to respond to trade imbalances, subsidies and industrial pressure linked to China. His remarks added to a broader European debate over how aggressively to protect domestic manufacturing. ### What is the U.S. position on chip tariffs right now? (euronews.com) Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, said on May 22 in Manassas, Virginia, that there were no imminent new U.S. tariffs expected to be imposed on semiconductors. Reuters and other reports said Greer still argued that protecting the sector with duties remained important to support reshoring of chip production. (euronews.com) Greer made the remarks at a Micron Technology memory chip plant expansion project, according to Reuters. His comments indicated that Washington was keeping tariff tools in reserve even as it avoided announcing an immediate new levy on imported chips. That inference is based on Greer’s public remarks as reported by Reuters and other outlets. (usnews.com) ### How do these moves fit together? May brought three separate trade signals from three capitals. Beijing lowered barriers for most African exporters, Paris used tougher language about defending European industry, and Washington said new semiconductor tariffs were not imminent while keeping protection as a stated objective. The next concrete reference points are already on the calendar: China’s zero-tariff treatment has been in force since May 1, Forissier’s comments were published on May 23, and Greer’s latest tariff remarks came on May 22 at Micron’s site in Virginia. (usnews.com) (english.gov.cn)