In a significant trade initiative, President Xi Jinping of China has declared plans to remove import tariffs on goods from 53 African countries, effective May 1, 2024. This announcement was made during an African Union summit held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and signifies a major expansion of China’s preliminary duty-free regime that had previously catered mostly to the least developed countries. Excluded from this tariff exemption is Eswatini, due to its diplomatic relations with Taiwan, which China views as part of its territory.

Xi emphasized that this policy will bolster mutual cooperation and promote Africa’s economic opportunities and development. By eliminating tariffs on a wide range of goods, China aims to strengthen its trade relations with African nations, which have been growing steadily over the past two decades, positioning China as Africa's leading trading partner. This initiative is expected to facilitate increased exports from African countries by enhancing their access to Chinese markets through what Xi referred to as an upgraded 'green channel'.

The implications of this policy are considerable, as it not only reflects China's desire to increase economic engagement with Africa but also underscores its strategic interest in the continent. The enhanced trade dynamics could help stimulate growth within African economies, offering new prospects for development. Furthermore, this tariff elimination could also be seen as part of China's broader agenda to assert its influence in Africa amidst competition from other global powers.