African ambassadors to China have expressed their support for China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties, expecting it to bring new development opportunities to the continent.
In September 2024, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) that China decided to give all least developed countries having diplomatic relations with China, including 33 countries in Africa, zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines.
In June 2025, Xi said in his congratulatory letter to the Ministerial Meeting of Coordinators on the Implementation of the Follow-up Actions of the FOCAC that China is ready to negotiate and sign the agreement of China-Africa Economic Partnership for Shared Development to implement the zero-tariff treatment for 100 percent tariff lines for 53 African countries which have diplomatic relations with China.
Starting May 1 this year, the zero-tariff treatment to products from the 53 African countries will take effect.
Alhaji Mohamed Sarjoh Bah, permanent representative of the African Union (AU) to China, said the zero-tariff policy will facilitate industrialization and modernization in Africa.
"In 2024, there was the [FOCAC] summit here and President Xi Jinping outlined 10 priority areas for support. And one of them is the zero tariff for goods from Africa that is coming into force on the 1st of May this year. That is significant because it's going to be a win-win partnership for Africa. I think it's a very important opportunity for Africa. China is the biggest market in the world, very lucrative market, very vibrant. And to be able to access that market, I think it's going to be extremely important for our industrialization in Africa, for our modernization efforts, but also for us to improve efficiency and effectiveness in our business models and production systems. But also for China, this will be also mutually beneficial," he said.
Antonio Serifo Embalo, Guinea-Bissau's ambassador to China, said the policy will help his country to benefit from the export of main products like cashew nuts to China, and facilitate trade between China and Africa.
"Zero tariffs are beneficial for all sectors. So, in Africa, I'm sure African products will come to China. For us, cashew nuts are our main product. Guinea-Bissau produces over 250,000 tons annually, and we export our cashews to Vietnam and India. So, I'm sure that with zero tariffs, Guinea-Bissau will benefit from exporting cashew nuts to China. And we also have imported a lot of Chinese goods to Guinea-Bissau. So, this will facilitate trade between the two countries, and I hope this policy will continue for Africa, and contribute to the development of both sides," he said.
African ambassadors welcome China's zero-tariff policy
African ambassadors welcome China's zero-tariff policy
