China has announced that it will implement a zero-tariff policy on imports from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, starting on 1 May 2026.
The move, reported by Reuters citing Chinese state media on Saturday, aims to deepen economic ties between China and Africa under the framework of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the country will also work to negotiate China-Africa Economic Partnership agreements, designed to increase trade, market access, and cooperation in sectors such as green industry, e-commerce, science and technology, and artificial intelligence.
For the least developed African countries, China plans to introduce additional measures beyond the zero-tariff policy. These include streamlined inspection and quarantine procedures, faster customs clearance, technical and skills training, and support for promoting high-quality African products in the Chinese market.
The announcement builds on the Changsha Declaration of June 2025, which outlined plans for the zero-tariff scheme to support Africa’s modernization and sustainable development goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
A ministry statement said: “China is ready to expand zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations, welcoming quality products from Africa into the Chinese market.”
