China has expanded its zero-tariff policy to all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, effective May 1, in a move described by analysts as the first unilateral, full market-access offer of its kind by a major global economy. The policy eliminates import duties across a broad range of African exports, aiming to strengthen trade flows and deepen economic ties between China and the African continent.
According to China’s Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, preferential zero-tariff treatment will also apply between May 1, 2026, and April 30, 2028, to imports from 20 African countries that are not classified as least developed economies. This builds on an earlier measure introduced on December 1, 2024, which granted zero-tariff access on all tariff lines for 33 least developed African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.
Economists say the policy is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of African exports in the Chinese market, particularly in agriculture. Rising Chinese demand for products such as coffee, cocoa, citrus fruits, and avocados is likely to benefit African producers, while also encouraging broader industrial development across the continent. Analysts argue that, if paired with supportive domestic reforms in African economies, the policy could help accelerate export diversification and integration into global supply chains.
Chinese customs officials have also highlighted the potential employment and production gains for African economies as exports expand. Lower tariffs are expected to strengthen price competitiveness for African goods in China, creating incentives for higher production volumes and deeper trade linkages.
Bilateral trade has already shown strong momentum, with China-Africa trade rising 22.8 percent year-on-year to 126.85 billion dollars in the first four months of the year, reflecting growing complementarity between the two economies.
The impact is also being felt in the energy sector, where African suppliers of liquefied propane, particularly from countries such as Nigeria and Algeria, are becoming more competitive. With tariffs reduced from 5 percent to zero, industry players say African energy cargoes are now more attractive than some traditional suppliers in the Middle East, prompting Chinese firms to expand procurement plans and secure significant cost savings.
In agricultural imports, China’s coffee market is seeing rapid growth, with Kunshan in Jiangsu province importing 650 million yuan worth of green coffee beans in the first quarter alone, up 43.6 percent year-on-year. African suppliers accounted for 12.6 percent of China’s total green coffee bean imports, underscoring their growing role in the market. Industry participants note that Kenyan coffee, valued for its distinctive acidity and fruity aroma, is gaining popularity among Chinese consumers, with tariff elimination expected to further reduce costs and boost demand.
