China begins zero-tariff imports for Nigeria, 52 African countries

China has begun implementing a zero-tariff policy on imports from Nigeria and 52 other African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations, a move aimed at strengthening trade ties between the Asian nation and Africa.

The policy, which took effect on Friday, is expected to remain in place until April 30, 2028, and is designed to expand market access for African goods entering China while improving customs procedures, inspection processes and trade facilitation.

Officials said the initiative will also support skills development and technical training as part of broader efforts to deepen economic cooperation under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) framework.

In June 2025, China announced plans to fully implement the zero-tariff scheme following the Changsha Declaration, a commitment aimed at boosting trade relations and advancing Africa’s industrial and economic development agenda.

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the country would continue working with African partners to support the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which focuses on long-term development and modernisation across the continent.

Africa’s exports to China are largely dominated by raw materials, including crude oil, minerals and metallic ores, which form a significant part of existing trade flows.

The first shipment to benefit from the expanded policy was 24 tonnes of apples from South Africa, which cleared customs in Shenzhen on Friday under the new arrangement.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi had earlier described the zero-tariff initiative as part of efforts to strengthen strategic and economic relations between China and Africa.