China’s expansion of zero-tariff access to 53 African countries is creating new opportunities for exporters, with rising shipments of Kenyan avocados and South African citrus highlighting the potential to increase trade, attract investment and strengthen value addition across the continent.
African exporters are increasingly positioning themselves to benefit from China’s expanded zero-tariff policy, as lower import duties and streamlined customs procedures improve access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
The policy, which took effect on May 1, 2026, extended zero-tariff treatment to all 53 African countries with which China maintains diplomatic relations, benefiting an additional 20 countries, including Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.
The opportunities were highlighted at the ninth China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, where African businesses showcased agricultural products, manufactured goods and other exports while seeking new buyers and commercial partnerships.
For Kenyan avocado exporter Sunripe, the expanded market access is already influencing business expansion plans.
Tiku Shah, the company’s managing director, said Sunripe had shipped between 500 and 600 metric tonnes of avocados to China in 2026 and was targeting a doubling of shipments in 2027.
The company began developing its Chinese export business after fresh Kenyan avocados gained access to the market in 2022.
Shah said eliminating import tariffs would make Kenyan avocados more affordable for Chinese consumers, potentially increasing demand and creating opportunities for larger export volumes.
He also highlighted the efficiency of the shipping and customs process, noting that maritime shipments from Kenya take approximately 25 days to reach China and can clear customs within a day of arrival.
South African citrus exports increase by 50%
South African agricultural exporters are also recording benefits from the expanded policy.
Chinese fruit importer Joy Wing Mau reported that its imports of South African citrus increased by 50% year-on-year following the elimination of tariffs in May.
According to Huang Li, the company’s head of brand communications for the Chinese market, import duties on South African citrus previously ranged between 10% and 12%, while their removal has reduced import costs by approximately 10%.
The lower costs have encouraged more businesses to explore the Chinese market and increased purchasing orders for African agricultural products.
Alongside tariff reductions, China has upgraded its green channel for African agricultural and food imports, streamlining quarantine procedures to facilitate the movement of products into the country.
These measures could be particularly important for African agricultural exporters dealing with perishable commodities, where delays at borders can affect product quality and profitability.
African businesses seek new Chinese buyers
The ninth CIIE also provided a platform for African companies entering the Chinese market for the first time.
Côte d’Ivoire made its debut in the expo’s business exhibition through an official delegation comprising more than 20 companies. Its approximately 200-square-metre exhibition stand showcased cocoa, cashews and tropical fruits.
Kaladji Fadiga, Director-General of the Côte d’Ivoire Export Agency, said many participating companies were testing the Chinese market for the first time and had high expectations.
The agency has established a joint working group with the Chinese embassy to help exporters benefit from the zero-tariff arrangements and connect with potential buyers.
The expo also expanded its Asia-Africa products zone, increasing free exhibition space for businesses from least-developed countries by 17%, providing additional opportunities for African exporters to showcase their products.
Opportunities extend beyond agricultural exports
China’s expanded zero-tariff access is also creating opportunities for African manufacturers seeking to diversify their export markets.
South Africa’s automotive component industry is among the sectors looking to strengthen commercial relationships with Chinese buyers and manufacturers.
Lebalang Molobele, head of skills and people development at the National Association of Automotive Component and Allied Manufacturers, said the policy came at an important time for South African suppliers.
The association represents automotive component manufacturers supplying international vehicle producers, including BMW and Mercedes-Benz.
Although many members have traditionally focused on European and US markets, the industry is increasingly exploring opportunities to supply Chinese buyers and collaborate with Chinese manufacturers operating in South Africa.
Molobele said market diversification was important for strengthening industry competitiveness and creating additional sources of export revenue.
Zero tariffs offer longer-term investment opportunities
China’s expanded zero-tariff arrangement will remain in place for the additional 20 African countries covered by the May 2026 expansion through April 2028, providing businesses with greater certainty when planning export and investment activities.
Shao Yu, chief economist at the Innovation Center of the School of Management at Fudan University, said the policy could encourage African businesses to invest in product standardisation and higher-value processing.
He noted that the benefits could extend beyond lower tariffs when combined with more efficient customs procedures, trade matchmaking and investment cooperation across industrial value chains.
The latest trade figures highlight the growing scale of China-Africa commercial relations.
Bilateral trade reached US$312.11 billion during the first nine months of 2026, representing a 22.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025.
China’s imports from Africa rose by 18.5% to US$109.14 billion over the period.
Implications for Africa’s industrialisation and export growth
The expanded market access presents opportunities for African economies to increase agricultural exports, attract manufacturing investment and strengthen their participation in international supply chains.
For mineral-producing countries, including Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the broader trade relationship also provides an opportunity to explore greater participation in industrial processing and manufacturing partnerships.
However, translating preferential market access into sustainable economic gains will depend on more than tariff reductions. Exporters will need to meet Chinese quality standards, strengthen production capacity, improve logistics and develop reliable supply chains.
For African businesses, the longer-term opportunity lies in using improved access to China to expand production, diversify export destinations, develop local industries and retain more value within their domestic economies.