China Expands Zero-Tariff Policy to All African Nations with Diplomatic Ties

Starting May 1, 2026, China will grant zero-tariff treatment to an additional 20 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with Beijing and are not classified as least developed countries. This policy will remain in effect until April 30, 2028.

The decision, announced by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, expands zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China.

Previously, since December 1, 2024, China had already granted zero-tariff treatment on 100 percent of tariff lines for 33 least developed African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

Key Details

• Scope: The zero-tariff policy now covers all African countries with which China has diplomatic ties.
• Implementation: The policy for the 20 additional countries takes effect from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028.
• Background: China had previously implemented zero tariffs for 33 least developed African countries since December 1, 2024.
• Rules of Origin: The General Administration of Customs released detailed interpretations of origin determination, certificates of origin, direct shipment, and customs declaration procedures for eligible imports.

Statements from Chinese Officials

Lin Jian, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that the policy is:

"An important measure of China taking the initiative to expand unilateral opening up, sharing opportunities with Africa amid rising protectionism and unilateralism."

Du Xiaohui, director-general of the Foreign Ministry's Department of African Affairs, called the move a "golden name card" of bilateral cooperation, marking the highest level of the zero-tariff policy for Africa.

The Ministry of Commerce stated that the new policy responds to the practical difficulty African countries face in completing negotiations in the short run, while negotiations continue.

Reactions from African Business Groups

The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry described the policy as offering "unprecedented export growth" prospects.

Kenyan officials, including Principal Secretary Abraham Korir Sing'Oei, described the zero-tariff agreement as a landmark framework for boosting mutually beneficial trade and investment.

African traders in China, such as Senegalese businessman Sourakhata Tirera, reported actively seeking higher-quality African products to export to China under the new policy.

Trade Context

• China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
• In the first quarter of 2026, China-Africa trade reached 646.56 billion yuan ($94.56 billion), up 23.7% year-on-year.
• China-Africa trade has expanded 27.5-fold over the past two decades, from 87.38 billion yuan in 2000 to 2.49 trillion yuan in 2025.