Beijing: A Xinhua News Agency senior journalist, Wang Jiang, says China’s zero-tariff policy for African goods is already boosting trade and ties between both sides. Wang made these comments in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria during a seminar focused on broadcasting convergence and communication capacity building for young Nigerian media professionals in Beijing, China.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Wang noted the tangible impact of the policy, highlighting the presence of African fruits in Chinese supermarkets, such as South African apples, and an increase in African coffee imports. He emphasized that this development has expanded consumer choices in China and that demand for African products continues to grow. “We want more qualified African products in China,” he stated.
Wang explained that the policy is attracting more Chinese investment to Africa, as products manufactured there become more competitive without the burden of tariffs. He added that African traders are flocking to China in larger numbers due to the decreased cost of made-in-China goods, leading to lower prices for Chinese products in Africa.
Hunan Province serves as an example of the burgeoning business relationships being formed between China and Africa, Wang said. He pointed out that the reduction in costs has encouraged more African companies to explore trade opportunities in China. He also highlighted the policy’s role in fostering people-to-people exchanges, strengthening friendships, and enhancing government relations between the two regions. “Unlike the West that imposes tariffs, China and Africa have removed them. This will do good to our people,” he remarked.
The Zero Tariff policy, effective since May 1, grants duty-free access to goods from all 53 African countries with diplomatic ties to China. The policy extends zero tariffs to 20 non-Least Developed Countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Egypt, building upon a previous decision that offered 100 percent duty-free access to 33 African Least Developed Countries starting December 1, 2024. Products such as cocoa, coffee, avocados, citrus, and wine, which previously faced tariffs ranging from eight percent to 30 percent, now enter duty-free if they meet rules of origin.
The Ministry of Commerce stated that the policy aims to reduce costs, give African products a competitive edge, and attract more investment in processing industries in Africa. Wang expressed optimism about the policy’s potential to benefit African industries and job creation, as China continues to require substantial imports from Africa. However, he acknowledged challenges related to travel convenience for exporters and urged the media to promote trade stories.
In discussing Nigeria-China relations, Wang indicated that the benefits observed across Africa also apply to Nigeria. “It is the same for Nigeria and for Africa,” he concluded.