On 28 April 2026, China’s State Council Tariff Commission announced a new preferential tariff policy granting zero tariff treatment to certain African trading partners. The measure will take effect from 1 May 2026 through 30 April 2028 and applies to 20 African countries that maintain diplomatic relations with China but are not classified as least developed countries.
According to the official announcement, the policy extends preferential market access by applying a zero tariff rate to eligible imports from these countries. This builds on China’s existing framework, under which full tariff elimination has already been granted to least developed African countries since December 2024. With this expansion, China effectively broadens duty free access across a wider group of African partners, reinforcing its trade and economic engagement with the region.
From a regulatory and compliance perspective, this is a unilateral preferential tariff arrangement rather than a free trade agreement. Companies should note that eligibility conditions will still apply, including rules of origin and documentary requirements. In addition, tariff rate quota products will continue to be administered under existing quota mechanisms, where in quota tariffs may be reduced while out of quota rates remain unchanged.
This development signals a continued policy direction towards deeper China Africa trade integration and may create new sourcing and supply chain opportunities. Trade compliance professionals should assess potential impacts on customs valuation, origin qualification, and preferential duty claims when managing imports involving affected jurisdictions.
Official news release from XINHUANET.com:
https://www.news.cn/world/20260428/39559b403bfa4130a6ba5fb04adada8a/c.html