France, June 13 -- China says it will sign a new economic pact with Africa that will get rid of all tariffs on the 53 African states it has diplomatic ties with - a move that could benefit middle-income nations as they prepare for tariff hikes on products entering the United States.

The move, announced at a China-Africa co-operation meeting (FOCAC) in Changsha, central China, comes as the continent faces the possibility of increased tariffs on its products entering the US.

The Asian economic giant already offers duty- and quota-free market access to least developed countries (LDCs), including 53 countries in Africa, but the new initiative will level the playing field by also offering middle-income countries similar market access.

Eswat...