China to Implement Zero Trade Tariffs for 53 African Countries
Beijing - China will implement a zero per cent tariff policy for 53 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China, from 1 May 2026 until 30 April 2028.
“China notes the sincere expectations and positive responses from African countries regarding this zero-tariff policy. This is an important step taken by China as an initiative to expand unilateral openness,” said Spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian during a press conference on Wednesday (29/4).
China has diplomatic relations with all countries on the African continent except Eswatini, which recognises Taiwan.
The zero-tariff policy is an expansion from the previous application to only 33 least developed African countries (LDCs), based on a speech by Chinese President Xi Jinping on 5 September 2024 in Beijing at the High-Level Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
“This demonstrates China’s willingness to shoulder more international responsibilities and gradually expand high-standard openness,” added Lin Jian.
The policy, Lin Jian revealed, shows how China and Africa are working together to build a robust China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era under all circumstances.
“It can be said that this policy is an epoch-making event in the history of China-Africa relations as well as international relations.
Amid rising protectionism and unilateralism, as well as the ongoing impacts of the situation in the Middle East, Lin Jian stated that China shares opportunities and pursues common development with Africa through this zero-tariff policy.
“This policy will enable more high-quality and distinctive African products to reach numerous households in China, thereby providing tangible benefits to the peoples of China and Africa and enhancing their well-being,” explained Lin Jian.
Furthermore, the policy will also assist Chinese companies in exploring the African market, bringing more investment opportunities and industrial upgrades to African countries, as well as building self-reliant development capacity in Africa.
“We hope this policy will promote cooperation and integration in trade, industry, and investment between China and Africa; deliver tangible benefits from such cooperation to businesses and peoples on both sides; and create a conducive environment to advance the liberalisation and facilitation of global trade and investment,” stated Lin Jian.
Lin Jian also mentioned that China will continue to sign economic partnership agreements for common development with African countries, while at the same time enhancing the “green channel” for imports of African agricultural and food products to China to further facilitate China-Africa trade.
“We are ready to work with Africa to further enrich the zero-tariff treatment and develop it into a powerful engine for high-quality China-Africa cooperation, as well as a driving force for solidarity and collaboration in the Global South,” said Lin Jian.
In the official announcement, it is stated that the zero tariffs apply to products within tariff quotas. Only in-quota tariffs will be reduced to zero per cent, while out-of-quota tariffs will remain unchanged.
During the two-year implementation period, China will continue to promote negotiations and the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Common Development with relevant African countries.
It is known that since 2024, China has also provided financial support to African countries totalling 360 billion RMB (approximately Rp780 trillion), broken down into 210 billion RMB (approximately Rp456 trillion) in loans, 80 billion RMB (approximately Rp173 trillion) in various aid, and at least 70 billion RMB (approximately Rp152 trillion) as investments in Africa by Chinese companies until 2027.