China will remove import tariffs on a range of Mozambican exports with effect from May 1.
The tariff exemption forms part of Beijing’s broader strategy to deepen economic ties with Africa, with a specific focus on boosting trade with Mozambique.
Mozambican Foreign Minister Maria Lucas confirmed the development while speaking on the sidelines of President Daniel Chapo’s working visit to China.
“The measure is aimed at boosting cooperation between China and Africa. The aim is to boost production levels, economic diversification and exports from African countries to the Chinese market,” she said.
Although the full list of exempted products has not yet been released, the initiative covers important sectors of Mozambique’s economy. These include agricultural products such as cashew nuts, cotton, sugar and tropical fruits, fisheries products including prawns and frozen fish, as well as mineral and semi-processed resources.
“The entry into force of this exemption represents a strategic opportunity, but also a challenge for Mozambican producers and entrepreneurs. It is necessary to guarantee quality, consistency and volume of production to meet the demand of the Chinese market,” she said.
Improved access to the Chinese market could help address Mozambique’s trade imbalances by increasing export revenues.
The move aligns with China’s wider engagement with Africa through mechanisms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, whose central themes are trade facilitation and investment promotion.
Source: AIM
