By Hasan Muhammad

 

 

China will give all the least developed countries with which it has diplomatic relations zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines starting from December 1. As the first major economy to enact such a sweeping policy, China has positioned itself as a champion of economic inclusivity and mutual prosperity. This initiative aligns seamlessly with Beijing’s broader strategy of fostering "win-win cooperation". 

 

Statistics from the General Administration of Customs show that in the first seven months of this year, China's imports and exports to Africa reached 1.19 trillion yuan, up 5.5% year-on-year, a record high for the same period in history. Agricultural product imports have become a new highlight of bilateral trade. Avocados from Kenya, sesame seeds from Tanzania, peanuts from Senegal, and fresh pears from South Africa have successively entered the Chinese market. In the first seven months of this year, China imported 25.35 billion yuan of agricultural products from Africa, up 7.2% year-on-year, higher than the overall growth rate of China's agricultural product imports. 

 

The Ministry of Commerce of China pointed out that this measure will promote more high-quality agricultural products to enter China and achieve mutual benefit. For example, sesame seeds on the Chinese market are currently mainly imported from Africa. Some African countries process agricultural products to form characteristic agricultural and food specialties and export them to China, making the Chinese market richer and the choices of Chinese consumers more diverse.

 

The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council clarified that the policy is designed to broaden access for less-developed nations, aiming for shared growth. While products within tariff quotas will enjoy complete exemption, items exceeding quota limits will retain their original tariffs. This approach underscores a balance between economic generosity and strategic economic interests. The response from international businesses has been overwhelmingly positive.

 

At the recent China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, companies from underprivileged regions lauded the initiative as a gateway to one of the world’s largest consumer markets. For many, the policy represents not only expanded market access but also a lifeline for industries eager to tap into China’s vast economic engine.

 

Recent years have seen Beijing accelerating its opening-up process. Notably, it has lifted all market access restrictions for foreign investors in the manufacturing sector - a groundbreaking reform that signals China’s confidence in its economic resilience. This move provides a rare beacon of certainty amid the persistent malaise of global economic stagnation.

 

In an era marked by rising protectionism and waning faith in globalization, China’s unwavering commitment to multilateral free trade stands out as a stabilizing force in the global economy. By prioritizing openness, Beijing has not only ensured the resilience of industrial and supply chains but also created expansive market opportunities for businesses worldwide. This strategy fosters a more efficient allocation of global resources, offering a rare counterweight to the fragmented trade landscape.

 

By easing trade with Africa, this initiative does more than enhance commerce - it provides a strategic boost to the LDCs. Beijing’s approach reflects a nuanced vision: empowering LDCs capacity for autonomous growth through trade, rather than merely amplifying the scale of China-Africa exchange. This is not just a gesture of economic solidarity; it’s a calculated step to revive global trade while unlocking untapped potential in one of the world’s most dynamic regions. 

 

For LDCs, this policy lowers barriers to accessing the vast Chinese market, unlocking opportunities to boost exports, revitalize industries, and create jobs. By catalyzing economic growth and social development, it addresses structural challenges like poverty and unemployment, reinforcing the broader goals of sustainable progress. This move goes beyond transactional economics; it is a deliberate extension of China’s commitment to South-South cooperation. It reflects a vision of solidarity that prioritizes shared prosperity over unilateral advantage, offering a blueprint for more inclusive global economic partnerships. As such, this policy serves as a tangible contribution to building a fairer and more balanced global trade system.