China Expands Zero-Tariff Policy to All Diplomatic Partners in Africa
"This represents a measure of China taking the initiative to expand unilateral opening up and sharing opportunities with Africa." — Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian
China has announced a landmark policy extending zero-tariff treatment on all imports to all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The initiative, which builds on a previous program targeting least-developed nations, includes a phased implementation timeline and specific rules of origin.
Policy Scope and Timeline
The Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council announced the expansion of zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China.
- Initial Phase: From December 1, 2024, China implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for 33 least-developed African countries with diplomatic ties.
- Second Phase: Starting May 1, 2026, zero-tariff treatment will be extended to an additional 20 African countries that are not classified as least-developed but maintain diplomatic relations with China. This phase is scheduled to remain in effect until April 30, 2028.
The first shipment under the expanded policy—24 tonnes of South African apples—arrived in Shenzhen on May 2, 2025. Customs officials cleared the shipment with the tariff dropping from 10% to zero.
Implementation Details
The General Administration of Customs released detailed interpretations regarding the policy's implementation, including:
- Rules of origin determination
- Certificates of origin requirements
- Direct shipment conditions
- Customs declaration procedures for eligible imports
Official Statements
- Chinese Foreign Ministry: Spokesperson Lin Jian stated that the policy represents a measure of China taking the initiative to expand unilateral opening up and sharing opportunities with Africa amid rising protectionism and unilateralism in global trade.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Department of African Affairs: Director-General Du Xiaohui described the move as a "golden name card" of bilateral cooperation, marking the highest level of the zero-tariff policy for Africa.
- Ministry of Commerce: The ministry stated that the new policy responds to the practical difficulty African countries face in completing trade negotiations in the short term, while negotiations continue.
Reactions from African Business Groups
"The zero-tariff agreement is a landmark framework for boosting mutually beneficial trade and investment." — Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, Kenyan Official
- Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry: The organization described the policy as offering "unprecedented export growth" prospects.
- Kenyan Officials: Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing'Oei described the zero-tariff agreement as a landmark framework for boosting mutually beneficial trade and investment.
- African Traders in China: Senegalese businessman Sourakhata Tirera reported actively seeking higher-quality African products to export to China under the new policy.
Trade Context
According to available data:
- China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
- In the first quarter of 2026, China-Africa trade reached 646.56 billion yuan ($94.56 billion), an increase of 23.7% year-on-year.
- China-Africa trade expanded 27.5-fold over two decades, from 87.38 billion yuan in 2000 to 2.49 trillion yuan in 2025.