By: Mohamed Sahr
China is encouraging African businesses to take greater advantage of its expanded zero-tariff policy by increasing exports of agricultural and other quality products to the Chinese market.
The call was made in Beijing by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC), Department of International Cooperation, during a briefing with 16 African journalists.
Deputy Director-General Zhang Xiaohui said China-Africa trade has continued to grow, reaching more than US$348 billion last year, while trade volume this year has already surpassed US$253 billion.
He explained that China’s zero-tariff policy, expanded in May 2026, now covers 53 African countries, up from the initial 33 countries included under the earlier arrangement.
According to Zhang, the policy is already creating new opportunities for African exporters, with products such as Kenyan avocados and Ethiopian coffee gaining access to the Chinese market.
He urged more African countries and businesses to explore opportunities beyond traditional exports by introducing a wider range of agricultural products to Chinese consumers.
“China wants to benefit from Africa’s high-quality products,” Zhang said, adding that President Xi Jinping has called for improved procedures to facilitate the entry of African goods into China.
To support this process, Zhang said the GACC has established an online platform to simplify procedures for African countries seeking certificates of origin, which are required for goods benefiting from preferential trade arrangements.
However, he stressed that all products entering China must meet strict health and safety requirements to protect consumers. He noted that agricultural products must comply with quality standards, while animal products must meet disease prevention regulations.
Zhang also revealed that China has implemented integrated market access measures for products such as dried chilli peppers and coffee beans, creating additional opportunities for African producers.
He described China’s relationship with Africa as a partnership built on mutual support and cooperation, assuring that the GACC will continue working with African governments, businesses, and producers to strengthen trade relations.
The Deputy Director-General also encouraged African media organizations to play a greater role in informing businesses and farmers about the opportunities available in the Chinese market under the zero-tariff framework.
China introduced zero-tariff treatment covering 100 per cent of tariff lines for all least-developed countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations on 1 December 2024. At the time, 33 African countries benefited from the arrangement, including Zambia.
The policy was expanded on 1 May 2026 to include the remaining 20 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China, bringing the total number of participating African countries to 53.
The move is expected to deepen China-Africa trade cooperation by creating greater market access for African producers while encouraging increased investment in agriculture, processing, and export development.