China’s Zero‑Tariff Policy for African Exports: Market Access and Remaining Challenges

China will grant zero‑tariff treatment to products from African countries that have diplomatic relations with Beijing, effective May 1, 2026. The policy covers 53 African nations.

Researcher's assessment. Cobus van Staden, senior researcher at the South African Institute of International Affairs, said the tariff removal removes a major obstacle for African exporters seeking to enter the Chinese market. It offers an opportunity for market diversification and access to a large customer base. However, he noted that tariff removal alone does not guarantee success. Exporters must understand Chinese consumer preferences and adapt products accordingly. Outcomes will also depend on domestic logistics infrastructure and industrial policies that support export‑driven diversification.

Trade data. According to China's General Administration of Customs, China‑Africa trade reached $348 billion in 2025, up 17.7% year‑on‑year, a record high. China's imports from Africa were $123 billion, a 5.4% increase.

Rwandan horticulture perspective. Robert Rukundo, chairperson of the Horticulture Exporters Association of Rwanda, said the policy comes at a time when Rwandan exporters face disruptions in Middle Eastern markets – specifically, they have been unable to ship avocados due to regional conflicts. He described the Chinese market as stable. The policy, he said, could increase revenues, allow more companies to access China’s market, and stimulate investment in horticulture.

Currently, most Rwandan products benefiting from Chinese market access are coffee, tea, and pyrethrum. In horticulture, avocados and dried chili have gained access. Rukundo expects avocado, dried chili, coffee, and vegetable exports to China to increase. The association has grown from 13 companies in 2015 to 102 today, exporting food products, vegetables, flowers, and tubers. Traditional markets have been Europe and the UAE, but members have recently begun exploring China. 

Rwanda's horticulture export revenues rose from $28.7 million in 2020 to over $86 million in 2025, according to the National Agricultural Export Development Board (NAEB). The government aims to increase exports tenfold.

Remaining barriers. Both sources noted that success requires more than tariff elimination – including stronger certification systems, better cold chain management, and investment in food processing and value addition. Van Staden stressed that the policy's impact will vary across countries depending on their logistical infrastructure and industrial policies.