China has introduced zero-tariff access to thousands of imports from 20 African countries, broadening trade ties while retaining quota limits on sensitive agricultural goods and easing select duties on Canadian products.
China introduced 0% tariffs on imports from 20 African countries for two years, from 1 May 2026 to 30 April 2028, under Customs Tariff Commission Announcement No. 5 of 2026.
The countries include Algeria, Botswana, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mauritius, Morocco, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Tunisia and Zimbabwe.
The policy covers 8,949 tariff lines, spanning a wide range of goods, including agricultural products, raw materials, chemicals, textiles, machinery, transport equipment and industrial goods. Most imports under the list will qualify for 0% customs duty.
For some sensitive agricultural products—such as wheat, corn, rice, sugar and wool—the zero tariff applies only within tariff quota limits. Imports above the quota will continue to face existing tariff rates.
The tariff schedule also contains detailed product specifications, but legal classification will follow the 2026 Customs Import and Export Tariff of the People’s Republic of China.
Separately, China has also revised tariffs on selected Canada-origin goods under CTC Announcement [2026] No. 2. From 1 March to 31 December 2026, additional tariffs on oil residue products, peas, lobsters and crabs will be removed.
