China has announced a major change in trade policy towards African countries that directly impacts exporters from Africa. During a message addressed to African Union leaders in Addis Ababa in February 2026, Chinese President Xi Jinping stated that China will implement zero tariffs on imports from 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing, starting May 1, 2026.
This decision effectively means that products from almost the entire African continent can enter the Chinese market without import duties, with Eswatini as the only exception due to its official relations with Taiwan. For African exporters and companies doing business with China, this is a new opportunity, but also a responsibility to better prepare for the requirements of the Chinese market. At the same time, the move further strengthens China’s role as a key partner of the Global South and deepens its political and economic ties with African countries.
Official Announcement: What Exactly Did the Chinese President Say?
In his message on the African Union summit, President Xi Jinping highlighted several key points concerning Africa-China trade:
- Starting May 1, 2026, China will fully implement zero tariffs on imports from the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations,
- Zero tariffs will apply to 100% of tariff lines – covering all products, not just selected categories,
- The existing “green channel” for faster approval of agricultural and food products from Africa will be expanded and enhanced.
This message was reported by Chinese state media and international agencies, confirming the full elimination of tariffs on imports from the listed countries.
When Does the Zero-Tariff Policy Take Effect?
The new zero-tariff policy takes effect May 1, 2026 and applies to all goods imported into China from the 53 African countries. This means shipments leaving Africa and arriving at Chinese ports after this date can be charged at a 0% tariff rate, provided they meet the rules of origin and are properly documented.
If you are working with Chinese buyers, it is crucial to coordinate with freight forwarders and customs brokers to ensure that your goods properly benefit from preferential treatment, and that African exporters to China comply with the zero-tariff system.
Which African Countries Are Included?
According to current information, the zero-tariff policy covers all African countries that have established diplomatic relations with China. Effectively, almost the entire continent is included, except for Eswatini.
List of 53 African Countries Eligible for Zero Tariffs in China
- Algeria
- Angola
- Benin
- Botswana
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Central African Republic
- Comoros
- Republic of the Congo
- Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Djibouti
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Gabon
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Kenya
- Lesotho
- Liberia
- Libya
- Madagascar
- Malawi
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Rwanda
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Senegal
- Seychelles
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sudan
- South Sudan
- Tanzania
- Togo
- Tunisia
- Uganda
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
For businesses in these countries, this creates opportunities to enter the Chinese market more easily, but also a need to understand the logistical, sanitary, and quality requirements China sets for imports.
Which Products Qualify for Zero Tariffs in China?
China's decision is unique in that it applies to 100% of tariff lines. In other words, zero tariffs apply to all products from these 53 African countries that meet the rules of origin, not just specific groups like agricultural products or minerals.
This includes:
- Agricultural products and raw materials,
- Fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood products,
- Meat, leather, wool, and other animal products,
- Minerals, ores, and energy resources,
- Textiles, clothing, leather goods, and footwear,
- Industrial and processed products, including food and beverages.
It is important to understand that even with zero tariffs, other costs remain – VAT, local taxes, transport, storage, freight forwarding, and potential inspection and certification fees in China.
Overview of Major Product Categories (Table)
| Product Category | Typical African Export Examples to China | Notes / Focus in News |
|---|---|---|
| Agricultural Products | Cocoa, coffee, tea, cotton, sesame, soybeans, corn, sugarcane, palm oil, spices. | Often highlighted as key opportunities to increase exports of processed, not just raw, products. |
| Fruits & Vegetables | Avocado, pineapple, mango, citrus, grapefruit, grapes, berries, vegetables from various African countries. | Existing “green channel” accelerates procedures and export volume. |
| Fish & Seafood | Tuna, white fish, canned seafood, other marine products. | Zero tariffs improve competitiveness of African exporters versus global rivals. |
| Animal Products | Meat (beef, lamb), leather, wool, and related products meeting sanitary standards. | Development depends on compliance with Chinese inspection and phytosanitary regulations. |
| Textiles & Clothing | Cotton textiles, ready-made garments, technical textiles from African producers. | Potential to redirect some production for export to China. |
| Leather & Footwear | Processed leather, leather goods, footwear. | Higher value-added products are incentivized; zero tariffs encourage local processing in Africa. |
| Minerals & Ores | Copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, lithium, rare metals, bauxite, gold, etc. | Zero tariffs facilitate more complex semi-processed forms (alloys, concentrates). |
| Energy Resources | Oil, gas, hydrocarbons from African countries. | Less emphasized in announcements but formally included in “all products.” |
| Processed Food & Beverages | Wine from South Africa, fruit juices, canned food, spice blends. | Opportunities to export branded products, not just raw materials. |
| Industrial & Miscellaneous Products | Construction materials, chemicals, rubber, auto parts, light manufacturing. | “All products” includes these categories; growth depends on local industrial capacity. |
How Can African Exporters Take Advantage of Zero Tariffs?
Zero tariffs alone do not guarantee export growth – proper preparation, knowledge of procedures, and reliable partners in China are essential. African companies now have a chance to be more competitive, but only if they meet quality standards, delivery deadlines, and Chinese buyer requirements.
Unsure if your products meet the requirements for Africa China zero tariffs? We can check your HS codes, rules of origin, and connect you with Chinese buyers to assess the real impact on pricing.
Send Your Product List →Step 1: Check Your Country and Product Status
- Verify that your country is among the 53 covered countries.
- Identify HS codes for your products and confirm they qualify as African-origin goods with local customs.
- Confirm with Chinese importers that the zero-tariff policy applies to these HS codes in China's customs system.
Step 2: Prepare Documentation and Logistics
- Provide proof of origin according to Chinese requirements.
- Adapt packaging, labeling, and declarations to comply with Chinese regulations.
- Plan transport and insurance so that goods arrive on time and in good condition.
Step 3: Consider Processed and Branded Products
Analyses show that African countries have long exported mostly raw materials, while the greatest profit remains in processing. Zero tariffs open opportunities for exporting processed foods, beverages, textiles, and other higher value-added products.
If you focus on branding, quality standards, and packaging, this policy change can provide a competitive advantage on the large Chinese market.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About China's Zero Tariffs for Africa
Does zero tariff mean no costs at all?
No. The tariff is 0%, but VAT, local taxes, transport, freight forwarding, storage, and insurance costs still apply. It is also important to comply with all sanitary, phytosanitary, and quality standards required by China.
Does this policy apply only to the “least developed” countries?
No. While China previously had special preferences for the least developed countries, the new zero-tariff policy applies to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, regardless of individual development classification.
Have additional questions about exporting to China or preparing documentation? Contact us for practical advice tailored to your products and market.
Ask a Question →Do you need a special permit to benefit from zero tariffs?
No “permit” is required in the traditional sense, but goods must:
- Meet rules of origin (African origin in accordance with regulations),
- Have correct documentation and certificates,
- Pass relevant inspections and checks in China.
How to Connect African Exports With Services From China?
Besides exporting from Africa to China, many companies combine sourcing from China with exports to third markets. If you are considering optimizing your supply chains, you can also explore our guide to importing from China and other blog posts with practical examples and advice.
What if you need goods from China for Africa?
Although this article focuses on exports from Africa to China under the new zero‑tariff policy, in practice many African companies combine exports with importing goods from China for their local markets or regional projects. If you need equipment, machinery, components or consumer goods from China for Africa, we can help you find reliable suppliers, audit factories and arrange transport to your port or warehouse.
Planning to import goods from China to Africa or to combine sourcing in China with exports to the Chinese market? We can assist with supplier sourcing, factory checks and end‑to‑end logistics to your destination in Africa.
Tell us about your project →Conclusion: New Opportunity for Africa, Challenge for Exporters
The removal of tariffs for 53 African countries on the Chinese market is a major political and economic signal. For African producers and exporters, this is a chance to improve their position in global trade, but also a clear sign that China–Africa relations are moving to a new level within the broader realignment of the Global South.
If you need support regarding the Chinese market, procedures, negotiations, or connecting with trusted partners, you can contact us via uvozizkine.com. We will gladly share practical experience and help you make the most of the new opportunities that China’s decision opens for African exporters.
Official source: Message by Chinese President Xi Jinping to the African Union Summit, published on the official website of the Government of the PRC , opens in a new window .