As the West shuts the door on Africa, China is flinging its gates wide open

With China’s new zero tariff bonanza, East African exporters can make more data-informed strategic moves.

Photo credit: Joseph Nyagah | Nation Media Group

China’s announcement that it will eliminate tariffs on imports from all African nations with which it has diplomatic relations could mark a pivotal shift in trade trends. For the East African Community plus Ethiopia countries, as for the rest of the continent, this development offers unhindered, duty-free access to China’s vast consumer market.

In contrast, many Western nations, most notably the United States, continue to tighten visa requirements and erect trade barriers.