China to Apply Zero Percent Trade Tariffs for 53 African Countries

China will implement a zero-tariff policy to 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028.

"China has noted sincere expectations and positive responses from African countries regarding this zero-tariff policy. This is an important step taken by China as an initiative to expand unilateral openness," said Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian, quoted by ANTARA, Thursday, April 30.

China has diplomatic relations with all countries on the African continent except Eswatini, which recognizes Taiwan.

The zero-percent tariff policy was expanded from the original only for 33 least-developed African countries (LDC) based on Chinese President Xi Jinping's speech on September 5, 2024 in Beijing at the China-Africa Cooperation Forum (FOCAC) Summit.

"This shows China's willingness to assume more international obligations and gradually expand high-standard openness," Lin Jian added.

The policy, said Lin Jian, shows how China and Africa are shoulder to shoulder in building a China-Africa community with a strong common future in all situations in the new era.

"It can be said that this policy is an epoch-making event in the history of China-Africa relations and international relations.

Amid the rise of protectionism and unilateralism, as well as the continued impact of the situation in the Middle East, Lin Jian said, China shares opportunities and pursues common development with Africa through the zero-percent tariff policy.

"This policy will allow more quality and distinctive products from Africa to reach many households in China, thereby providing tangible benefits to the Chinese and African people, and improving their well-being," said Lin Jian.

In addition, the policy will also help Chinese companies to explore the African market, bring more investment opportunities and industrial upgrading for African countries, and build independent development capacity in Africa.

"We hope that this policy will encourage cooperation and integration of trade, industry, and investment between China and Africa; provide tangible benefits from such cooperation for businesses and communities on both sides; and create a conducive environment to promote the liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment," said Lin Jian.

Lin Jian also said China would continue to sign economic partnership agreements for mutual development with African countries, and at the same time increase the "green channel" for the import of African agricultural and food products into China to further facilitate China-Africa trade.

"We are ready to work with Africa to further enrich the zero-percent tariff treatment and develop it into a powerful driving engine for high-quality China-Africa cooperation, as well as a source of driving force for solidarity and collaboration in the Global South," said Lin Jian.

In the official announcement it was stated that the zero percent tariff was applicable to products under the tariff quota. Only the "in-quota" tariff (within the quota) will be reduced to zero percent, while the "out-of-quota" tariff (outside the quota) will remain unchanged.

During the two-year implementation period, China will continue to push for the negotiation and signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Joint Development with relevant African countries.

China is known to have provided financial support to African countries since 2024 up to 360 billion RMB (about Rp780 trillion) with details of 210 billion RMB (about Rp456 trillion) in the form of loans, 80 billion RMB (about Rp173 trillion) in the form of various assistance and at least 70 billion RMB (about Rp152 trillion) as investments in Africa by Chinese companies until 2027.