China Expands Zero-Tariff Policy to All African Countries with Diplomatic Relations

China has officially announced a major expansion of its preferential trade policy toward Africa, marking a significant step in strengthening China–Africa economic cooperation.

According to an announcement released on April 28, 2026, by the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council, China will implement a zero-tariff policy for imports from 20 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China and are not classified as least developed countries (LDCs). The policy will be effective from May 1, 2026 to April 30, 2028.

With this latest expansion, China becomes the world’s first major economy to provide unilateral, full-coverage zero-tariff treatment to all African countries with diplomatic ties and to all least developed countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China.

Expansion of Duty-Free Access

Prior to this announcement, China had already implemented zero-tariff treatment on 100% of tariff lines for 33 African least developed countries beginning on December 1, 2024. The newly announced measures extend similar preferential access to the remaining 20 eligible African countries.

Under the policy:

• Products imported from eligible African countries will enjoy zero tariffs under preferential rates.
• For tariff-rate quota products, only in-quota tariff rates will be reduced to zero, while out-of-quota tariff rates will remain unchanged.
• The preferential treatment applies to goods meeting the applicable rules of origin requirements established by Chinese customs authorities. 

New Customs and Origin Certification Measures

To facilitate implementation, the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) has introduced new origin management regulations for imports under the zero-tariff arrangement.

Starting May 1, 2026, China Customs officially launched a dedicated certificate of origin issuance system for the 20 newly included African countries. Importers or their agents applying for preferential tariff treatment must submit valid certificates of origin in accordance with customs procedures and electronic information exchange requirements.

The designated preferential trade agreement code for customs declarations is:

Code “30”

These measures are intended to streamline customs clearance and improve trade efficiency for African exporters and Chinese importers.

Strengthening China–Africa Trade Cooperation

Chinese authorities stated that during the two-year implementation period, China will continue promoting negotiations for the China–Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development Agreement with relevant African countries.

The expanded zero-tariff policy is expected to:

• Increase African exports to China
• Improve market access for agricultural and industrial products
• Enhance supply chain cooperation
• Promote long-term China–Africa trade and investment growth

According to recent trade statistics, China–Africa trade reached record levels in 2025, reflecting deepening economic ties between the two sides.

A Landmark Move in Global Trade Policy

Industry observers believe the policy demonstrates China’s continued commitment to high-level opening-up and deeper cooperation with developing economies, particularly amid growing global trade uncertainties.

The initiative is also expected to create new opportunities for African exporters in sectors including:

• Agriculture
• Mining and raw materials
• Processed food products
• Textiles
• New energy supply chains

As the policy officially takes effect, businesses engaged in China–Africa trade are encouraged to closely monitor customs implementation procedures and preferential origin requirements to maximize available tariff benefits.