China Sets May 1 Start For Zero-Tariff Access On Imports

Wednesday 18th February 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

China zero-tariff Africa imports will begin on May 1, after Beijing said it will apply zero-tariff treatment to goods from 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations. The decision arrives as African governments push for wider market access and faster customs clearance for value-added exports, while China seeks to deepen economic ties with the continent.

The announcement, carried by Chinese state media and reported by Reuters, sets out a trade-policy shift that could expand duty-free entry for a broad range of African goods into the Chinese market. China also said it will keep negotiating and signing joint economic partnership agreements with African nations as part of the same effort.

African trade officials have for years argued that non-tariff barriers, product standards, and logistics delays can matter as much as headline tariff rates. China’s statement addressed this directly by referencing upgraded mechanisms such as a “green channel” designed to expand market access and streamline processes for African exports.

China zero-tariff Africa imports: key details

China said the policy applies to the 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with Beijing. The May 1 start date provides a short window for exporters, customs authorities, and trade ministries to clarify product coverage, documentation requirements, and clearance procedures that may sit alongside the tariff change.

The measure also lands as several African countries attempt to shift export mixes toward processed foods, manufactured components, textiles, and refined minerals, aiming to reduce exposure to commodity price swings. In practice, tariff removal alone may not deliver gains unless exporters can meet standards, ensure consistent volumes, and secure freight capacity and cold-chain reliability for perishables.

China did not publish, in the Reuters report, a list of eligible product lines or country-by-country schedules. It framed the move as part of an effort to strengthen China-Africa economic cooperation and broaden two-way trade in goods.

For African policymakers, the key test will be whether the “green channel” accelerates clearance times and reduces compliance friction for small and mid-sized exporters, not only for large commodity shipments. Many African trade agencies have also prioritized better terms for agricultural exports, which face strict inspection regimes in destination markets.

The decision may also affect how African governments approach industrial policy and export promotion strategies, including incentives for agro-processing and certification capacity. It may influence bilateral talks with Chinese agencies on inspection rules, origin certification, and shipment tracking, particularly for time-sensitive exports.