China will expand zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing starting May 1, 2026, Chinese authorities announced on Tuesday.
From May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028, China will grant zero-tariff treatment, in the form of a preferential tariff rate, to 20 African countries that have established diplomatic ties with China and are not classified as the least developed countries, according to an announcement by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council.
For products subject to tariff rate quotas, only the in-quota tariff rates will be reduced to zero, while the out-of-quota tariff rates will remain unchanged.
For 33 least developed African countries with diplomatic relations, China has already granted zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines since December 1, 2024.
With the expanded policy taking effect on Friday, China will become the first major economy to provide unilateral, full-coverage zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties, and to all least developed countries with diplomatic relations.
The year 2026 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. The Ministry of Commerce stated that it will work with relevant departments to follow the principles of equal consultation and mutual benefit and properly implement the zero-tariff measures.
China will also move forward with negotiations on the signing of agreements on economic partnership for shared development with African countries, to deepen institutional economic and trade cooperation and share opportunities to pursue common development.
Source(s): Xinhua News Agency
