China Extends Zero-Tariff Access to All African Diplomatic Partners

Following the implementation of new trade measures on 1 May 2026, China has officially granted zero-tariff treatment to 100 per cent of products from all 53 African nations that maintain diplomatic relations with Beijing.

The policy builds upon a December 2024 initiative that initially covered 33 African countries. The updated framework now includes the remaining 20 nations, such as Egypt, Nigeria, Kenya, and South Africa.

According to the Ministry of Commerce, the zero-tariff treatment is a core component of the "China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development." China's General Administration of Customs disclosed that, in 2025, China-Africa trade reached USD 348 billion. Of this total, China’s import from Africa amounted to USD 123 billion. In the first quarter of 2026, China-Africa trade reached USD 92 billion, an increase of 27 per cent year-on-year.

The policy is established as a preferential arrangement for an initial period of two years. During this time, China and its African partners will work to formalize these measures into long-term institutional agreements.

According to the General Administration of Customs, to further support this economic integration, China will continue to promote the "Green Channel" for African agricultural products, streamlining inspection and quarantine procedures. Starting from June the 1st, the registration of food production enterprises will be revised to facilitate the import of African food products.

This move follows the 2024 FOCAC Beijing Summit, where China pledged USD 51 billion in financial support for Africa over the next three years.