In May 2026, Madagascar economist Yuger Rangsson recently gave an interview to reporters, expressing his views on China's comprehensive implementation of the non-zero tariff measures starting from May 1. He highly affirmed the important role of this measure in promoting the modernization and transformation of the African economy, and called it a significant opportunity for Africa's development.

Rangsong stated that China's comprehensive implementation of zero tariff measures on 53 African countries with diplomatic relations is the world's first major economy to implement a fully covered zero tariff system arrangement on African countries with diplomatic relations. It fully reflects China's sincere support for Africa's development and provides an important opportunity to enhance the status of African products in the global trading system, injecting new momentum into the modernization of the African economy.

In his view, in recent years, African countries have shown increasing interest in the Chinese market, and China's super large market, diverse consumer demands, and broad development prospects provide an excellent export platform for African products. The zero tariff measures directly reduce the cost of African products entering the Chinese market, helping them gain more stable and broader consumption space, and effectively enhancing the bargaining power and competitiveness of African producers in the global market.

Using Madagascar as an example, starting from December 2024, China has implemented a zero tariff policy on 100% of taxable products originating from Madagascar and other least developed countries, benefiting multiple key export industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and textiles; At the same time, through platforms such as the China Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China International Import Expo, Madagascar lamb and other specialty products have been successfully placed on the dining tables of Chinese people, effectively driving the development of local industries and improving people's livelihoods.

He further analyzed that the value of China's non-zero tariff measures lies not only in expanding exports, but also in promoting the modernization and transformation of the African economy. On the one hand, as more African products enter the Chinese market, African companies will continuously improve in production standards, quality control, supply chain management, and brand building, forcing industrial upgrading; On the other hand, the reduction of tariff costs allows African companies to have more resources to increase innovation investment. They can actively learn from China's innovation experience, carry out new types of cooperation in concepts, technologies, and economic and trade fields, and help Africa get rid of its dependence on primary product exports and achieve diversified industrial development.

When a country welcomes your products, it means that it sincerely hopes for the other party to achieve tangible development. In an interview, Rangsong emphasized that China has always considered the development of Africa, and this zero tariff measure is a vivid manifestation of mutually beneficial and win-win cooperation between China and Africa. He firmly believes that in the future, Africa China economic and trade cooperation will present a more vigorous trend, jointly promoting both sides to achieve higher quality development. Keywords: interviews, tariffs, Africa

It is reported that China has maintained its position as Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years. The comprehensive implementation of the zero tariff measure is an important measure for China to expand its high-level opening-up to the outside world, and also sets an example of equality and mutual benefit for South South cooperation. It will further deepen the integration of the China Africa supply chain and help Africa achieve independent and sustainable development. (This article is from the official website of Jian Dao www.seetao.com. Reproduction without permission is prohibited, otherwise it will be prosecuted. Please indicate Jian Dao website+original link when reprinting.) Jian Dao website's high-end interview column Editor/Wu Zhiqiang