On April 28, 2026, China's Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council issued an announcement granting zero-tariff treatment, in the form of preferential rates, to 20 African countries that have diplomatic relations with China but are not classified as least developed countries (LDCs). The policy will take effect from May 1, 2026, to April 30, 2028.

Combined with the previous zero-tariff treatment granted to 33 African LDCs with which China has diplomatic ties, China has now achieved unilateral, comprehensive zero-tariff coverage for all African countries with diplomatic relations.

Currently, out of 54 African countries, 53 have diplomatic relations with China and are covered by this zero-tariff policy. The policy has had the most direct and positive impact on the export of Africa's advantageous agricultural products, such as nuts, coffee, and dried fruits.

Since the policy took effect, China-Africa trade has shown significant growth. Analysts point out that the zero-tariff policy not only lowers the price barrier for African agricultural products entering the Chinese market but also drives their transformation and upgrading from bulk raw material exports to packaged, branded, and retail-ready formats.

As the zero-tariff policy boosts Africa's agricultural exports to China, packaging—the critical link between origin and market—has become increasingly important. For products such as nuts, coffee beans, and dehydrated fruits, moisture protection and freshness preservation during long sea freight, portable design for e-commerce channels, and visual appeal on retail shelves all rely on professional flexible packaging. From Tanzanian cashews to Ethiopian coffee beans, high-quality packaging is emerging as a "hidden competitive advantage" for African agricultural products entering the Chinese market.

Looking ahead, with the continued implementation of the zero-tariff policy, more specialty African agricultural products are expected to enter the daily lives of Chinese consumers over the next three to five years.

Related Link

Announcement of the Customs Tariff Commission of the State Council on Zero-Tariff Measures for African Countries with Diplomatic Relations with China:

http://gss.mof.gov.cn/gzdt/zhengcefabu/202604/t20260428_3988616.htm

About Tianyuan Packaging

Tianyuan Packaging is a professional flexible packaging solution provider, specializing in packaging for nuts, dried fruits, coffee beans, dehydrated fruits, and other food products. For any inquiries regarding packaging solutions for African agricultural exports to China, please feel free to contact us.