By John Q. Hosedrinker 
China will eliminate tariffs on all imports from 53 African nations, excluding eSwatini, expanding upon a previous policy granting zero-tariff treatment to 33 least-developed African countries. This initiative, announced at a Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) meeting, provides duty-free access to the vast Chinese market for a significantly larger number of African nations, primarily from the middle-income bracket. The move comes amid accusations by China and African representatives that the United States is destabilizing global trade. The expansion aims to further facilitate African exports to China, bolstering economic ties between the two regions.
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China’s announcement to remove tariffs on nearly all goods from Africa represents a significant shift in global trade dynamics, particularly when viewed against the backdrop of criticisms aimed at recent US trade policies. This move isn’t simply a gesture of goodwill; it’s a calculated strategy reflecting China’s long-term vision for global influence. The scale of the tariff reduction underscores China’s commitment to deepening its economic ties with the African continent, a region rich in natural resources and brimming with untapped potential.
This strategic approach contrasts sharply with what some perceive as short-sighted US trade policies. The claim that US policies benefit everyone but America itself highlights a growing sentiment that the current administration lacks a coherent, long-term strategy for engaging in global trade. This perceived lack of foresight is further emphasized by the comparison between China’s patient investments in African infrastructure—ports, railways, etc.—and what some consider wasteful spending on initiatives by the US.
The disparity in trade volumes between China and Africa versus the US and Africa is stark. China’s total trade with Africa in 2024 reached nearly US$300 billion, dwarfing the US’s US$71.6 billion. This difference speaks volumes about the effectiveness of each nation’s approach. China’s focus on building lasting relationships through infrastructure development and trade concessions is clearly yielding significant returns, while the US’s approach appears less impactful, at least in terms of direct trade.
China’s strategy goes beyond simply securing access to Africa’s abundant natural resources, although that is certainly a significant component. The removal of tariffs signals a broader ambition: to foster industrialization within Africa. By providing easier access to the Chinese market, China aims to stimulate African manufacturing and create mutually beneficial economic growth. This aligns with China’s larger Belt and Road Initiative, a global infrastructure project that aims to enhance connectivity and trade throughout Eurasia and beyond.
The long-term benefits for China are clear. By establishing itself as the primary economic partner for Africa, China secures a crucial source of raw materials for its industries while simultaneously fostering a new generation of manufacturing partners. This strategy is a masterclass in “soft power,” subtly shaping global economic landscapes through trade and investment rather than military might. The criticisms of US trade policies often highlight a lack of understanding or perhaps a disregard for this type of strategic soft power influence.
This contrasts starkly with the US’s perceived struggle to compete effectively on the global stage. A core argument is that current US policies are economically unsustainable, producing goods too expensive to export competitively and leading to a situation where significant manufacturing capacity will remain unused. This highlights a crucial difference in approach between China and the US: while China is investing in long-term strategic relationships, the US seems to be focusing on short-term gains without a clear vision for sustained global economic influence.
The criticism levied against the US is not limited to its trade policies but also extends to its perceived lack of understanding concerning the power of soft power. The claim that the US “forgot” the principles it once mastered suggests a degree of complacency and a failure to adapt to the evolving global economic landscape. China, on the other hand, demonstrates a keen understanding and skillful application of soft power, effectively using economic leverage to build strategic relationships and influence global affairs.
However, the picture is not entirely rosy for China. While the narrative paints a picture of mutually beneficial partnerships, there are concerns about the potential for debt traps and unequal relationships. While China’s investments in African infrastructure are substantial, there’s ongoing debate on the long-term sustainability and fairness of these projects. Some argue that China’s soft power strategy is not entirely “soft,” implying strings attached to the economic assistance and loans provided to African nations.
Despite these concerns, China’s move to remove tariffs on nearly all goods from Africa represents a bold and strategic maneuver in the ongoing global economic competition. It highlights the growing importance of Africa as a key player in the world economy and underscores China’s determination to solidify its position as a dominant force in global trade. The contrast with the US’s current approach only serves to highlight the significance of China’s long-term vision and its effective application of soft power in the global arena. The future of global trade, particularly concerning Africa, is likely to be profoundly shaped by the ongoing competition between these two economic giants.