Injecting Strong Impetus into China-Africa Trade and Investment Cooperation - MOFCOM Interprets the Entry into Force of the Measure of Fully Implemen

China will implement a zero-tariff policy on May 1, 2026, for all imports from 53 African countries with which it has established diplomatic relations.

The head of the WTO Department of the Ministry of Commerce introduced that currently, 33 out of the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China already enjoy zero-tariff treatment under the preferential tariff rates extended by China to least-developed countries. Starting from May 1, the zero-tariff policy will be applied to 20 African countries with diplomatic relations with China that are not classified as least-developed countries. This will be implemented in the form of preferential tariff rates for a period of two years.

When discussing the new opportunities that the full implementation of the zero-tariff policy for the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China will bring to China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, the head outlined three aspects:

　　Firstly, cost reduction and profit increase. The zero-tariff policy will lower the cost of African products entering the Chinese market, providing a competitive edge for African products in the Chinese market. For example, the previous tariffs on cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana were between 8% and 22%, while the tariffs on coffee and avocados from Kenya were 8% to 30% and 20% respectively, and the tariffs on citrus and red wine from South Africa were 12% and 14% to 20% respectively. After May 1, these products will enjoy zero-tariff treatment provided they meet the relevant origin and inspection and quarantine requirements. The zero-tariff policy provides conditions for African products to expand their exports to China and will also effectively enrich the supply in the Chinese market, offering consumers more diverse choices.

　　Secondly, integration of trade and investment. The zero-tariff policy will be conducive to attracting other trading partners, including China, to increase investment in Africa, bringing in capital, technology, equipment, and management experience. African specialty products can be processed locally before being exported to China. On the one hand, this will promote the formation and upgrading of African industrial chains, facilitating the process of African industrialization and agricultural modernization; on the other hand, it will also contribute to the balanced and sustainable development of China-Africa trade, benefiting both sides and enabling them to share opportunities and develop together.

　　Thirdly, economic upgrading. The zero-tariff policy will promote the diversification of African export products, increase their added value, optimize the export structure, benefit a large number of small and medium-sized farmers and micro-enterprises, create new jobs, and improve people's livelihoods. The zero-tariff policy will also promote cooperation between China and Africa in areas such as service trade, digital trade, green industries, and sustainable development, greatly enhancing Africa's independent development capacity and accelerating the modernization process in Africa.

(Source: Xinhua News Agency)