China Removes Tariffs on All Goods from Mali, Boosting Trade Ties
On March 30, 2025, China announced the removal of tariffs on all goods imported from Mali, enhancing bilateral economic relations. This decision follows previous tariff reductions and is aimed at supporting Mali’s exports and economic growth. Experts emphasize the need for Mali to diversify its exports for maximum benefit.
hassan benyoub 
Beijing, March 30, 2025 – In a significant move to strengthen economic cooperation with African nations, China has announced the elimination of tariffs on 100% of goods imported from Mali. The decision, effective immediately, marks a milestone in Sino-Malian relations and reflects Beijing’s broader strategy to deepen trade ties with the continent.
The policy, confirmed by China’s Customs Tariff Commission, applies to all merchandise originating from Mali, a landlocked West African nation known for its exports of raw materials such as cotton, timber, and, increasingly, lithium. This tariff removal builds on previous exemptions, including a 2023 decision to lift duties on 98% of Malian imports, and now extends to the entirety of its export portfolio.
Analysts see this as part of China’s commitment to supporting least-developed countries (LDCs), a pledge reiterated at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). “By scrapping all tariffs, China is opening its vast market to Mali, potentially boosting the latter’s economy,” said an economic expert familiar with the region. The move is expected to facilitate Mali’s export growth, particularly in unprocessed goods, though experts note that its impact may be limited unless Mali enhances its manufacturing capacity.
Mali, with a population of over 20 million, has increasingly pivoted toward China for economic and military partnerships in recent years. Alongside tariff relief, China has invested in Mali’s lithium sector, a critical resource for the global energy transition, while also supplying military equipment. However, trade experts caution that the benefits of this policy hinge on Mali’s ability to diversify its exports beyond raw materials.
