By: Henrietta Afful
China’s historic zero-tariff policy for African countries is set to deepen economic ties, boost trade, and foster mutual development. It is a gesture underscoring seven decades of diplomatic ties with Africa.
Speaking at the ‘Linjia No. 7 Salon’ during the Zero Tariff Thematic Press Briefing on Tuesday, May 19, the Ambassador for China-Africa Cooperation Affairs, Liu Yuxi, said the policy represents both the enduring friendship between China and Africa and a forward-looking strategy for shared prosperity.
The zero-tariff initiative, which came into force officially on Friday 1st May, 2026, covers nearly 9,000 tariff lines from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties with China with the exception of Estwatini.
The policy builds on a legacy dating back to 2005, when China first imposed zero tariffs on 190 product lines from 25 African nations.
“Zero tariffs are not an isolated tax reduction arrangement, but a comprehensive package of measures,” Ambassador Liu Yuxi said, noting that the policy is accompanied by upgraded customs procedures and a “green channel” to ensure swift, efficient market access for African products.
According to the Ambassador the green channel “does not lower standards, but rather allows African products that are advantageous and welcomed by the Chinese market to gain access more quickly, ensuring that the benefits of the zero-tariff policy are transformed into cooperative achievements as soon as possible.”
Boosting Trade and Consumer Benefits
Since its launch, the policy has already begun transforming trade flows. On May 1, 2026, the first zero-tariff shipments arrived in China, including 24 tons of fresh South African apples, Kenyan avocados, Egyptian oranges, Moroccan gypsum, and Nigerian beef bone pellets. This surge in imports underscores the policy’s immediate impact on market confidence and trade expansion.
Statistics reveal the broader effect: China-Africa trade reached a record US$348.08 billion in 2025, with a 26.8% year-on-year increase in the first quarter of 2026, almost nine percentage points higher than China’s overall foreign trade growth.
African products, from coffee beans to specialty teas and wines, are now available to Chinese consumers amd markets at more competitive prices, creating tangible benefits while deepening people-to-people connections.
Encouraging Investment and Industrial Growth
Beyond trade, Ambassador Liu highlighted the policy’s potential to spur Chinese investment in Africa. By linking Africa’s resources and comparative advantages to China’s vast market and industrial chain, zero tariffs are expected to accelerate industrialization, agricultural modernization, and integration into global supply chains.
For example, the booming Chinese coffee market is now more accessible to African coffee producers, benefiting both consumers and exporters alike.
Strengthening China-Africa Ties For The Future
The zero-tariff policy, Ambassador Liu said, is part of a broader vision for high-quality, long-term China-Africa cooperation. It not only facilitates economic exchange but also, embodies a principle of mutual benefit.
“It is not a zero-sum game where one side wins and the other loses, but a positive-sum game of mutual benefit and win-win outcomes. This is also the inherent meaning of the all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era” Ambassador Liu said, quoting an ancient Chinese proverb: “The more you give to others, the more you have; the more you share with others, the more you receive.”
High-quality African products, including Poria cocos from the Republic of Congo, Kenyan black tea, Rwandan dried chili peppers, and South African wines, are now entering China at favorable prices, while innovative Chinese products are reaching African markets. This two-way exchange reinforces Africa’s industrialization, modernization, and green development while expanding consumer choice in China.
“Zero tariffs are a golden calling card for China-Africa cooperation in the new era and will become an inexhaustible engine for promoting high-quality development,” Ambassador Liu said, emphasizing the policy’s historic and enduring significance.
Joining the briefing were the Vice President of the China Public Diplomacy Association, Tong Xiaoling, Deputy Director-General of the WTO Department of the Ministry of Commerce, Chen Yusong and media representatives from across the world.
