*By Michael Onjewu*
The General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) has called on African businesses to take greater advantage of China’s expanded zero-tariff policy by increasing exports of agricultural and other high-quality products to the Chinese market.
The call was made in Beijing by Zhang Xiaohui, Deputy Director-General of the GACC Department of International Cooperation, during a briefing with 16 African journalists.
Zhang said China-Africa trade had continued to expand, reaching more than $348 billion in 2025, while trade volume in 2026 had already surpassed $207 billion.
He said China’s zero-tariff policy, expanded on May 1, 2026, now covers 53 African countries, compared with the 33 countries that initially benefited from the arrangement.
According to Zhang, the policy is creating new opportunities for African exporters, with products such as Kenyan avocados and Ethiopian coffee gaining access to the Chinese market.
He urged African countries and businesses to diversify their exports and introduce 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 had called for improved customs procedures to facilitate the entry of African goods into China.
He said the GACC had established an online platform to simplify procedures for African countries seeking certificates of origin, which are required for goods benefiting from preferential trade arrangements.
Zhang, however, stressed that zero tariffs do not exempt imported products from China’s health and safety requirements.
He said all products entering the Chinese market must meet relevant standards to protect consumers, while agricultural products must comply with quality requirements and animal products are subject to disease prevention and control regulations.
The Chinese customs official also disclosed that the GACC had implemented integrated market access measures for products including dried chilli peppers and coffee beans, creating additional opportunities for African producers and exporters.
Zhang described China-Africa trade relations as a partnership based on mutual support and cooperation, assuring that Chinese customs authorities would continue working with African governments, businesses and producers to facilitate trade.
He also called on African media organisations to play a greater role in informing businesses and farmers about opportunities available under the expanded 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 December 1, 2024. At the time, 33 African countries benefited from the arrangement.
The policy was expanded on May 1, 2026, to include the remaining 20 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, bringing the total number of participating African countries to 53.
Under the expanded arrangement, zero tariffs apply to the 20 African non-least-developed countries through preferential tariff rates for two years. During this period, China will continue to promote the signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development agreement with relevant African countries.
The expanded access is expected to deepen China-Africa trade cooperation by creating greater opportunities for African producers while encouraging investment in agriculture, processing and export development.
