China's newly adopted unilateral zero-tariff policy for African states will effectively facilitate the complementary advantages of both sides and deepen mutually beneficial China-Africa cooperation, contributing to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, a Chinese diplomat has said.
Liu Yuxi, China' Ambassador for the Affairs of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, made the statement at an exclusive interview with China Central Television after China announced zero-tariff treatment starting May 1 for all the 53 African countries that have established diplomatic relations with the country. In the interview, Liu stressed that driven by the zero-tariff treatment, an increasing number of high-quality African agricultural products and industrial goods will enable Chinese consumers to have more diverse choices. At the same time, this will create more opportunities for Chinese companies to invest and operate in Africa, as well as for Africa's industrialization and agricultural modernization.
"I would like to refer to coffee as a small case study. Coffee bean is a major export product for many African countries. The cost of African coffee beans will be reduced by 8 percent to 10 percent after enjoying zero-tariff export to China, offering tangible savings for domestic consumers who can now enjoy specialty coffee at lower prices. At the same time, the zero tariff policy will encourage Chinese and African companies to extend the industrial chain, moving beyond simple cultivation into processing, roasting and packaging, thereby progressing toward more standardized, professional and higher-quality production, while also creating a significant number of jobs," he said. Liu also said that full-scale implementation of the zero-tariff policy for African states is a concrete reflection of the principle of sincerity, real results, amity and good faith and the principle of pursuing the greater good and shared interests. It also constitutes an important part of implementing the four global initiatives of China and advancing China-Africa joint efforts toward modernization.
"Starting May 1, China will become the world's first economy to provide unilateral zero-tariff treatment to all African countries that it has diplomatic relations with. We should recognize that the zero tariffs not only represent China's concessions and benefits to Africa, but will also, more significantly, boost two-way trade between China and Africa, and mutual promotion of industrial and investment cooperation between China and the relevant African countries. Like a bond, the zero tariffs connect Africa's natural endowments with China's vast domestic market and industrial strengths, facilitating common development and win-win cooperation between China and Africa, and benefiting the 2.8 billion people of China and Africa," Liu said.
As of now, China has remained Africa's largest trading partner for 17 consecutive years.
China-Africa trade reached a record 348 billion U.S. dollars in 2025, up 17.7 percent year on year. Of the total, China's imports from Africa amounted to 123 billion dollars, an annual increase of 5.4 percent, according to the General Administration of Customs (GAC).
"This sends a clear signal to Africa and the rest of the world: China's development is Africa's opportunity. We are ready to use Chinese modernization to promote China-Africa cooperation in advancing modernization that is just and equitable, open, all-win and eco-friendly, puts the people first, features diversity and inclusiveness, and is underpinned by peace and security," he said.
Zero tariff policy contributes to stronger China-Africa partnership toward shared prosperity: Chinese diplomat
