China Expands Zero-Tariff Import Policy to 53 African Countries

Istanbul (ANTARA) - On Friday (1/5), China expanded its zero-tariff policy to all African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a step aimed at strengthening trade relations and supporting industrial development across the continent, according to state media.

Under the new policy, tariffs have been eliminated for imports from 53 African countries, including developing nations such as Kenya, Egypt, and Nigeria, according to a Xinhua News report.

The initiative builds on previous measures that provided full tariff exemptions to 33 least-developed countries on the continent.

The first shipment to benefit from the expanded policy – 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa – cleared customs in Shenzhen on Friday (1/5), marking a symbolic start to broader market access for African goods.

Chinese trade authorities stated that the move will give African exports – ranging from cocoa and coffee to oranges and wine – a competitive edge in the Chinese market, where such products previously faced tariffs of between 8 and 30 per cent.

Officials also anticipate that the policy will encourage investment in African processing industries, helping to shift economies away from raw material exports.

China remains Africa’s largest trading partner, with China-Africa trade reaching a record high of $348 billion (Rp6,032 trillion) in 2025.

Of that total, China’s imports from Africa amounted to $123 billion (Rp2,132 trillion), up 5.4 per cent from the previous year.

The new tariff exemption aligns with China’s broader efforts to deepen economic openness.

Under the framework of the 15th Five-Year Plan, Beijing aims to further open its market while building a transparent, stable, and predictable business environment.

The government is also committed to enhancing the quality and scope of trade and investment cooperation by 2030.