China to eliminate all customs duties on Africa - Anadolu Ajansı

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Who is Affected by the New Zero-Tariff Policy? Implications for Importers and Trade Compliance

April 10, 2026 · Google News — Tariffs · View source ↗

China has announced a significant expansion of its zero-tariff policy for goods originating from several African nations, a move set to reshape trade flows and reduce costs for importers. Effective December 25, 2022, China will eliminate customs duties on 98% of taxable items imported from 16 specific Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in Africa.

This initiative is a direct fulfillment of a pledge made at the 8th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in November 2021. It underscores China's commitment to fostering a "China-Africa community with a shared future in the new era" and aims to help these African nations better leverage China's vast market opportunities. China has been Africa's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, with trade volume reaching $254.3 billion in 2021, including $106 billion in imports from Africa.

Who is Affected by the New Zero-Tariff Policy?

The primary beneficiaries of this expanded policy are importers in China sourcing goods from the designated African LDCs, as well as exporters within those countries. The 16 African Least Developed Countries included in this new zero-tariff treatment are:

Togo
Djibouti
Rwanda
Cameroon
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Guinea
Central African Republic
Democratic Republic of Congo
Comoros
Liberia
Mauritania
Sao Tome and Principe
Senegal
Sierra Leone

This measure builds upon previous zero-tariff treatments China had already granted to 33 Least Developed Countries in Africa, further broadening the scope of duty-free access to the Chinese market.

Implications for Importers and Trade Compliance

For importers and trade compliance professionals, this development necessitates a careful review of current and prospective sourcing strategies. If your company imports goods into China from any of the 16 listed African nations, or if you are considering doing so, this policy presents a significant cost-saving opportunity. It is crucial to:

Verify Origin: Ensure that goods meet the rules of origin requirements to qualify for the zero-tariff treatment.
Review Product Classifications: Understand which of the "98% of taxable items" your specific products fall under. While the article states 98%, specific product lists would need to be consulted with Chinese customs authorities or local brokers.
Update Compliance Procedures: Adjust your import procedures and documentation to reflect the new tariff rates.
Engage with Partners: Work closely with your customs brokers, freight forwarders, and trade compliance teams to ensure accurate declarations and maximize the benefits of this policy.

This policy change highlights the dynamic nature of global trade agreements and the importance of staying informed to optimize supply chain costs and maintain compliance.