China extends full tariff-free access to boost trade with Africa, LDCs

An official from the Ministry of Commerce on Wednesday announced China's continued support for 33 African nations and other least developed countries (LDCs) with diplomatic ties, helping them fully utilize zero-tariff treatment for all tariff lines.

The zero-tariff treatment, a voluntary and unilateral move to open its market wider and share its opportunities with LDCs, was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

"From December 1st last year when the zero-tariff treatment was launched, to March this year, China's imports from Africa's least developed countries reached 21.42 billion U.S. dollars, marking a 15.2 percent year-on-year increase," said Shen Xiang, director of the West Asia and Africa Department under the Ministry of Commerce.

Since the conclusion of the FOCAC 2024 summit, the number of African agricultural products allowed entry to the Chinese market has increased significantly. A total of 22 products from 18 African countries, such as soybeans from Zambia and peanuts from Nigeria, are now eligible for export to China, according to Shen.

China has also taken special measures including setting up a designated area at the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) to highlight African products and better conduct domestic buyers with African companies, a move that has effectively boosted the popularity of various African agricultural products in China.

Propelled by the zero-tariff treatment, China's imports of African coffee surged by 70.4 percent in the first quarter of 2025 alone, while cocoa bean imports grew by 56.8 percent.

Opening the Chinese market has significantly helped many African country's domestic development. Since Rwanda's dried chili peppers entered China in 2021, pepper has become a key export product for the country, bringing benefits to thousands of pepper farmers.

"We will continue to support the LDCs, particularly those in Africa, in fully utilizing this preferential policy, expanding the scale and variety of exports to China, and enjoying development opportunities provided by China's big market. This will also provide Chinese consumers and businesses with more affordable and high-quality options," Shen said.

China extends full tariff-free access to boost trade with Africa, LDCs

China extends full tariff-free access to boost trade with Africa, LDCs

Some Japanese people said on Thursday that the government led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi must firmly uphold the pacifist constitution.

Their remarks came after French President Emmanuel Macron's visit to Japan from Tuesday to Thursday.

Attending a joint press conference with Takaichi on Wednesday, Macron emphasized that France and Japan have agreed on the importance of on the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict in the Middle East and upholding international law.

Many saw this as a response to a strongly worded post by U.S. President Donald Trump on social media, which criticized France for refusing to cooperate with the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.

Some locals in Tokyo expressed their opposition to Japan's involvement in any war, but said Japan could offer help when the conflict in the Middle East ends.

"I think that Prime Minister Takaichi could offer support, provided that we wouldn't get involved in an armed conflict, such as minesweeping operations at sea, as Japan has the best minesweeping technology in the world," said a resident in Tokyo.

"I'm not entirely sure what consequences will follow Trump's demands. There may be additional tariffs, among other things. Our constitution prohibits [Japan's] from getting involved in war, and Prime Minister Takaichi should uphold this principle," said another resident.

Tokyo residents urge PM Takaichi to uphold pacifist constitution