Cianjurpedia.com – China will implement a zero percent tariff policy (zero-tariff) to 53 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028.
“China noted the sincere hope and positive response from African countries regarding this zero percent tariff policy. This is an important step taken by China as an initiative to expand openness unilaterally,” said Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian.
China has diplomatic relations with all countries on the African continent except Eswatini which recognizes Taiwan.
The zero percent tariff policy was expanded from previously only being applied to 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 Summit (FOCAC).
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“This shows China’s willingness to assume more international obligations and gradually expand high-standard openness,” Lin Jian added.
This policy, said Lin Jian, shows how China and Africa are working together to build a China-Africa community with a strong shared future in all situations in the new era.
“It can be said that this policy is an event that marks a new era (epoch-making) in the history of China-Africa relations and international relations.
In the midst of increasing protectionism and unilateralism, as well as the continued impact of the situation in the Middle East, Lin Jian said, China is sharing opportunities and pursuing joint development with Africa through the zero percent tariff policy.
“This policy will enable more quality and distinctive products from Africa to reach many households in China, thereby providing real benefits to Chinese and African people, and improving their welfare,” explained Lin Jian.
In addition, the policy will also help Chinese companies to explore the African market, bring more investment opportunities and industrial upgrades to African countries, and build Africa’s independent development capacity.
“We hope that this policy will encourage cooperation and integration of trade, industry and investment between China and Africa; provide real benefits from this cooperation for business and society on both sides; and create a conducive environment for advancing the liberalization and facilitation of global trade and investment,” said Lin Jian.
Lin Jian also said that China will continue to sign economic partnership agreements for mutual development with African countries, and at the same time increase the “green channel” for imports of African agricultural and food products to 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 force for high-quality China-Africa cooperation, as well as a driving source for solidarity and collaboration in the Global South,” said Lin Jian.
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The official announcement stated that the zero percent tariff applies to products that are below the tariff quota. Only “in-quota” rates will be reduced to zero percent, while “out-of-quota” rates will remain unchanged.
During the two-year implementation period, China will continue to push forward negotiations and signing of the China-Africa Economic Partnership Agreement for Joint Development with relevant African countries.
It is known that since 2024 China has also provided financial support to African countries of up to 360 billion RMB (around Rp. 780 trillion) with details of 210 billion RMB (around Rp. 456 trillion) in the form of loans, 80 billion RMB (around Rp. 173 trillion) in the form of various aid and at least 70 billion RMB (around Rp. 152 trillion) as investment in Africa by Chinese companies until 2027.***
