by CHEN Shenglong

China began granting zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with diplomatic ties from May 1, expanding market access as it seeks to deepen trade links.

The first shipment under the policy — 24 tonnes of South African apples — cleared customs at Shenzhen Bay Port on Thursday and will be distributed nationwide.

The move follows a December 2024 decision to grant zero tariffs to least developed countries with diplomatic ties. The latest step extends preferential treatment to 20 additional African economies, including South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt and Kenya, under a two-year arrangement.

The Ministry of Commerce said China is now the first major economy to implement unilateral, comprehensive zero tariffs for all African partners and all least developed countries with diplomatic ties.

China-Africa trade has grown from about $10 billion in 2000 to $348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% year on year. Trade reached 646.56 billion yuan in the first quarter of 2026, rising 23.7%.

Previously, tariffs included 10% on South African apples, 8%–22% on cocoa from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, and up to 30% on Kenyan coffee. These goods will now enter China duty-free, subject to origin and inspection rules.

Officials said the policy could boost African exports and lower costs for Chinese importers, with some wine importers expected to save up to 300,000 yuan annually and increase volumes by more than 50%.

The move comes as global protectionism rises and African economies grow faster than the global average, with GDP expanding 4.2% in 2025.