China’s expanded zero-tariff arrangement for all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties took effect on May 1, covering 100% of tariff lines. The policy has already facilitated the entry of South African apples and Kenyan avocados into China.
The move could create new opportunities for African agricultural exporters, particularly producers of fresh and processed foods. African products entering China include apples, avocados, dried chillies and pineapples.
China-Africa trade reached US$348 billion in 2025, while bilateral trade rose 26.8% year-on-year in the first quarter of 2026. The tariff cuts could also encourage African countries to move beyond exporting raw commodities into processed and value-added products.
However, greater market access will depend on meeting China’s sanitary and phytosanitary requirements, maintaining quality and traceability, and developing reliable cold-chain, transport and processing infrastructure.
-Chinadaily Newspaper