Wang Yi Announces Zero-Tariff for African Countries at CAETE 2025

During the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo 2025 (#CAETE2025), Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced that China is lifting customs tariffs on almost all goods from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic ties. In Africa, the UN recognizes 54 countries, while the AU recognizes 55. eSwatini is the one left out as it does not officially support the One-China policy and still maintains diplomatc ties with Taiwan. The other ‘country’ is Western Sahara which is recognized by AU, but not by UN.

According to the #CAETE organizing committee, more than 30,000 visitors are expected when the expo is open to the public from 13 to 15 June, 2025. 53 African countries are represented with many delegations led by the ministers and many opting for large stands to promote their products during the expo.

For the opening ceremony alone, more than 4,700 attendees from Africa, China and international organizations were at ther Changsha International Convention Center.The organizers estimate that deals worth more than USD 11 billion will be closed during #CAETE2025.

Prior to the opening ceremony of #CAETE2025, Minister Wang held the #FOCAC Ministerial Conference and had also the opportunity to hold bilaterals with several of his African counterparts.The Ministerial Conference served as a follow-up to the Ten-Point Partnership Action Plan, as part the Beijing Declaration arrived at during the last #FOCAC2024 Summit.