Summary:

On 24 April 2025, the Head of the National Union of Mauritanian Employers, Zine El Abidine Ould Cheikh Ahmed, met with the Chinese ambassador to Mauritania, Tang Zhongdong. During the meeting, the Chinese ambassador announced his country’s decision to exempt all Mauritanian exports from customs duties.  

The decision has been praised by both parties, stressing that it would strengthen diplomatic relations and trade exchanges between China and Mauritania.  

The Mauritanian union head also referred to the agreement between the Union and the Chinese Chamber of Commerce which offers Chinese companies operating in Mauritania membership in the employer’s union.  

Earlier this month, the Chinese Ambassador and Mauritania’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Mr. Sid’Ahmed Ould Bouh, signed an economic and technical cooperation designated to finance development projects in Mauritania, reflecting the strengthening bilateral ties between both countries.  

Outlook: 

China’s decision to lift tariffs on all Mauritanian exports carries clear geopolitical undertones, reinforcing Beijing’s influence in West Africa through strategic economic alignment.  

Such agreements are likely timed to counterbalance US trade policy that has threatened heightened tariffs against many countries. Such policies may be used by China to position Beijing as a more reasonable trade partner amidst global concerns about the impacts of US tariffs while affirming Beijing’s long-term investment in expanding its influence in West and North Africa. 

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