Ethiopian coffee exporters are set to see greater access to the world's second-largest economy following the announcement of China's zero-tariff treatment for nearly all goods from the country.
The announcement was made in June during the China-Africa Trade and Economic Cooperation Forum in Changsha, capital of central China's Hunan Province. It marks the expansion of a zero-tariff policy rolled out last year for the 33 least developed African nations to now include 20 additional countries from the continent.
Tracon Trading is one of Ethiopia's leading coffee exporters. For years, they've been shipping specialty beans across the globe. But China's move to lift tariffs has opened an even bigger door.
"It will make our coffee very competitive in China's market. If you think about it, let's say, Brazil coffee or Colombia coffee, which are the main competitors for our coffee, their duty in China is above eight percent. So Ethiopia [tariff] is coming to zero, it will make our coffee very competitive and to sell more volume of coffee in China's market because it's affordable to our clients, it's affordable to the consumers. Due to that, Ethiopia coffee is one of the famous brands [of] coffee all over China nowadays. So it's really, really good news what the (Chinese) government has done for us," said Seid Omer, Managing Director of Tracon Trading.
For years, Ethiopian coffee has been prized globally for its unique aroma and heritage, but stiff tariffs often slowed its momentum in Asian markets.
Now, Chinese demand for Ethiopian coffee is soaring, and with Latin American coffee prices on the rise, traders in Beijing and Shanghai are turning toward Africa's original bean.
"Coffee from Brazil and Colombia has been rising in price rapidly. But we Chinese all know that Ethiopia is the origin of coffee. Combined with the strong and friendly relationship between China and Ethiopia, in the coming year, many Chinese coffee factories and traders are expected to purchase large quantities of coffee from Ethiopia," said a Chinese coffee trader named Wang Jinfeng.
Behind this open trade policy is a broader strategic alignment. As Ethiopia joins BRICS, its government sees the tariff exemption not only as economic relief but as an opening to build sustainable, long-term access to key markets like China.
"With China's high market demand, especially for agricultural products like oil crops, previous trade restrictions are gradually being lifted. Through this zero-tariff agreement, we aim to secure long-term, sustainable access to the Chinese market. Our focus will be on strengthening trade relations with China and building a reliable export pathway," said Tsadik Tasew, a trade relations expert at the Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
Ethiopia's coffee ready to take bigger market in China thanks to zero tariff treatment
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
