BY SAFAALHARATHY

China will remove tariffs on imports from 53 African countries, including Libya, starting in May, in what analysts describe as a major step in China–Africa economic relations.

President Xi Jinping announced the policy in February, saying the countries would be granted full access to the Chinese market under a zero-tariff arrangement.

The move means Libyan exports will be able to enter China’s vast consumer market—estimated at 1.4 billion people—without customs duties. Previously, such access had been limited to 33 of Africa’s least-developed countries, while goods from middle-income economies like Libya faced tariffs of between 10% and 25%.

The decision is expected to boost Libya’s exports of crude oil, petrochemicals and raw materials. However, analysts say the greater opportunity may lie in attracting foreign investment, with Libya potentially serving as a production base for companies targeting the Chinese market.