From May 1st, China wants to eliminate all tariffs on goods from all African countries. With one exception.
The Chinese government has announced that it will eliminate all tariffs on imports from all African countries except Eswatini, formerly Swaziland, from May 1st. This is reported by the French “Le Figaro“.
To date, this customs exemption has already applied to 33 African countries; It is now to be expanded to include almost all of China’s 53 African partner countries. The background is the deepening of economic relations between China and Africa.
China wants to abolish tariffs on almost all African countries: “New Silk Road” in view
China is already Africa’s most important trading partner and is financing numerous large infrastructure projects as part of the “New Silk Road” initiative. The “New Silk Road” is a gigantic infrastructure and trade project initiated by China that is intended to make Asia, Europe and Africa more interconnected by expanding land and sea routes and to expand China’s geopolitical influence and economic power worldwide.
The abolition of tariffs is intended to further facilitate trade and promote economic growth in Africa. According to President Xi Jinping, this step opens up new development prospects for African states.
The only exception is Eswatini, which continues to maintain diplomatic relations with Taiwan and therefore does not benefit from the tariff exemption. China’s relationship with Taiwan is politically fraught as Beijing considers the island to be part of its national territory.
4 facts about Eswatini
- Name & Lage: Eswatini was called Swaziland until 2018. It is a landlocked country in southern Africa, bordered by South Africa and Mozambique.
- Form of government: Eswatini is one of the last absolute monarchies in the world. The head of state is King Mswati III, who has great political influence.
- Languages & Population: Official languages are Siswati and English.
The country only has around 1.2-1.3 million inhabitants and is one of the smaller countries in Africa. - Culture & Economy: Eswatini is known for traditional festivals such as the Umhlanga (Reed Dance).
Economically important are, among other things: Sugar cane, textiles and services (e.g. tourism).
Eswatini: Foreign Office with travel advice
The Foreign Office points out that in Eswatini homosexual acts are prohibited by law and can be punished with imprisonment. Same-sex relationships are often considered a social taboo in Eswatini.
It must be expected that public displays of affection by same-sex couples in Eswatini can be understood as causing public nuisance and punished.
date: 2026-02-15 17:07:00