According to a statement by the State Council Tariff Commission, zero tariffs will be applied between May 1, 2026 and April 30, 2028 to 20 African countries that are not classified as least developed countries (LDCs).
The statement noted that this step is part of the implementation of China’s previous commitments. For products subject to tariff quotas, only in-quota rates will be reduced to zero, while out-of-quota tariffs will remain unchanged. During the two-year implementation period, China will continue to promote the signing of economic partnership agreements with the relevant African countries to support joint development.
The new regulation also expands the existing tariff system. Previously, as of December 1, 2024, China had granted zero-tariff treatment across all tariff lines to 33 least developed African countries with which it has diplomatic relations. With this latest move, the policy will be extended to cover an additional 20 African countries that maintain diplomatic ties with China.
The statement emphasized that expanding the zero-tariff policy reflects China’s commitment to openness and will contribute to strengthening China-Africa economic and trade relations. It was also noted that the measure will support the formation of a stronger China-Africa economic cooperation framework in the coming period.
Observers point out that the policy could help transform the export structure of African countries. It is expected to accelerate the shift from raw material exports to higher value-added products and strengthen a mutually beneficial trade structure.
In a separate statement, China’s Ministry of Commerce highlighted the rise in global protectionism and stated that the time-limited zero-tariff policy was introduced to expand market access for African countries and create development opportunities. The ministry also noted that negotiations on economic partnership agreements will be advanced and that the institutional framework for long-term, stable cooperation will be strengthened.
It was also noted that this year marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries, and that relevant institutions will continue efforts to effectively implement the zero-tariff policy and deepen cooperation on a mutually beneficial basis.
He Wenping, a researcher at the China-Africa Institute, stated that Africa has long faced trade imbalances and that comprehensive zero-tariff access could help improve the balance between imports and exports and support the continent’s industrial development. He added that this policy is a continuation of China’s support for African countries through platforms such as the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo and the China International Import Expo.
Highlighting that China’s approach differs at a time of rising global protectionism, He said, “While some countries frequently use tariff tools, China is creating platforms for mutually beneficial cooperation. This approach provides tangible benefits for both African countries and China.”
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