China has officially informed the World Trade Organization (WTO) of its decision to expand its zero-tariff policy for least developed countries (LDCs) that have diplomatic relations with Beijing, increasing product coverage from 98 percent to 100 percent.
The updated policy, which came into effect on December 1, 2024, is part of China’s wider initiative to further open its market to LDCs and African nations, as stated by the Chinese delegation during a WTO meeting in Geneva.
During the meeting, the delegation also highlighted a recent China-Africa declaration, where China expressed willingness to apply full zero-tariff treatment across all tariff lines for the 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China.
In addition to tariff exemptions, China committed to expanding goods trade and offering enhanced skills development and technical training programs tailored for African LDCs.
These efforts are intended to foster new development opportunities and stimulate economic growth for African nations and LDCs, while also contributing to a more stable and vibrant global trade environment.
Amid global trade uncertainty, China called on all WTO members to safeguard an open and inclusive international trade system and work toward fair, universally beneficial globalization.
China’s measures were met with broad approval from WTO members. Delegates from LDCs, African countries, and other regions expressed appreciation and urged more countries to adopt similar preferential policies and capacity-building support to advance inclusive, sustainable global trade.
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