China has promised to remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries. This new development marks an important step in making its trade ties with the continent stronger. Despite this, Eswatini is still the only African country not included in this zero-tariff initiative. This exclusion arises from Eswatini’s diplomatic recognition of Taiwan as an independent nation, a stance that contrasts sharply with China’s view of Taiwan as a breakaway province.
China took a big step in that direction when it recently announced its plan to deepen economic relations with Africa. Yet it has already become the most formidable trading partner on the continent. African trade with China is estimated at $170 billion. This new tariff policy has the potential to be a tremendous benefit for both nations.
Eswatini’s exclusion would be a blow to its economy, especially since it would lose valuable benefits afforded to it under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). AGOA offers a zero-tariff, quota-free arrangement for qualifying sub-Saharan African countries. Due to Eswatini’s diplomatic relations with Taiwan, Eswatini might find it difficult to gain access to this benefit.
As members of the US Congress work to impose new tariffs on African countries, this decision could not be worse. This amplifies the risk of negative economic impact on Eswatini. In 2024, the U.S. exported goods worth $8 billion to Africa while importing goods valued at $39.5 billion. This figure illustrates the strong economic connections that would be threatened by the proposed tariffs.
In 2015, China pledged to promote “equality, respect and mutual benefit” in its relationships with African countries. The country’s joint ministerial statement referenced “certain countries’ efforts to disrupt the existing international economic and trade order,” highlighting the geopolitical tensions surrounding Eswatini’s diplomatic choices.
China’s readiness to remove tariffs is indicative of the government’s long-term plan to strengthen trade relations with Africa’s least developed countries. By exporting this policy to 33 countries, China hopes to strengthen economic development and cooperation throughout the continent. Eswatini starts out on an unequal footing with the rest of Africa. This is due to the fact that China does not acknowledge it of the 53 countries—mainly due to Eswatini’s relationship with Taiwan.