China to implement zero tariff on imports from 53 African countries May 1

China says it will implement zero-tariff treatment for imports from 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, starting May 1, 2026.

According to Reuters, the announcement was reported by state media on Saturday.

China is also expected to push for the negotiation and signing of joint economic partnership agreements with African countries.

In addition, the country plans to upgrade mechanisms such as its “green channel” to further expand market access for African exports into the Chinese market.

On June 13, 2025, China announced plans to begin full implementation of a zero-tariff scheme for 53 African countries, including Nigeria, under the Changsha declaration — a move that intends to deepen economic cooperation within the forum on China-Africa cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

China’s ministry of foreign affairs said the country will collaborate with Africa to support the African Union’s agenda 2063, focusing on modernisation and sustainable development.

“China is ready to, through negotiating and signing the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development, expand the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines to all 53 African countries having diplomatic relations with China, or all African countries except Eswatini, to welcome quality products from Africa to the Chinese market,” the ministry had said.

The foreign affairs ministry said for the least developed countries (LDCs) in Africa, China will introduce additional measures beyond the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of FOCAC.

The measures are expected to cover market access, inspection and quarantine procedures, and customs clearance to boost trade in goods, enhance skills and technical training, and expand the promotion of quality African products.

The Chinese ministry said the country is ready to deepen the implementation of the 10 partnership actions for modernisation, prioritising cooperation in green industry, e-commerce and e-payment, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.

The ministry said China would further enhance cooperation in security, finance, and the rule of law to promote high-quality development in China-Africa relations. (The Cable)