China's "Zero-Tariff" Gamble: Xi Jinping Opens Domestic Markets to Africa, Sidelines Taiwan's Last Ally

President Xi Jinping announced at the African Union summit in Ethiopia that starting May 1, 2026, China will eliminate import tariffs for all African nations except one. This expansion targets 52 diplomatic partners on the continent, up from the current 33. The sole exclusion is Eswatini, the only African kingdom that maintains diplomatic ties with Taiwan, highlighting Beijing’s use of economic incentives to enforce its "One China" policy.

As the U.S. under President Donald Trump continues to implement aggressive global tariffs, China is positioning itself as the ultimate alternative for African growth. Xi stated that this deal would provide "unprecedented opportunities," further integrating Africa into the "Belt and Road Initiative." By removing trade barriers, China aims to secure a steady flow of African raw materials while countering Western economic influence in the world’s fastest-growing demographic region.