France, May 1 -- China's State Council tariff commission said earlier this week that the zero-tariff treatment will run until 30 April 2028. The move expands an earlier policy in force since 1 December 2024 by adding 20 African countries to the 33 already covered, bringing the total to 53.

The only condition is that countries must have diplomatic relations with Beijing, leaving Eswatini, which maintains ties with Taiwan, excluded.

China's commerce ministry said the move would help create "development opportunities for African countries" at a time when "unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise".

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