International trade experts have described China’s new zero tariff policy for African exports as a major opportunity to deepen value chain integration and accelerate industrial transformation across the continent.
The policy, which took effect on May 1, is expected to move Africa-China trade relations beyond market access to a more strategic focus on production, processing and industrial collaboration.
The experts made the observations during a high-level virtual dialogue organised by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) on the theme: “Beyond Zero Tariffs: Unlocking Africa–China Trade.”
They noted that while the removal of tariffs provides immediate export advantages, the long-term gains would depend on Africa’s ability to integrate into global and Chinese value chains.
Professor Xiaoyang Tang, Chair of the Department of International Relations at Tsinghua University, said the initiative could serve as a catalyst for stronger South-South cooperation and industrial linkages.
He urged countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Egypt, South Africa and Kenya to adopt deliberate strategies to increase production and semi-processing of key commodities including cocoa, coffee, textiles and avocado.
“China is not only a major consumer market but also a global manufacturing hub. African countries should look beyond exporting raw commodities and position themselves within manufacturing value chains,” he said.
Prof Tang explained that China’s shift from offering 95 percent tariff-free access in 2009 to a full zero-tariff regime reflected growing confidence in its domestic capacity and a willingness to support Africa’s trade development.
Drawing from a recent visit to Ghana, he expressed optimism about the country’s production potential, particularly in packaging and light industrial activity.
However, he cautioned policymakers against treating raw agricultural exports as the ultimate goal, describing them as entry-level opportunities.
Instead, he encouraged African economies to supply intermediate goods, inputs and components that feed into China’s extensive manufacturing systems.
“This is about industrial complementarity, where Africa becomes part of a broader production ecosystem,” he added.
Professor Wang Jinjie of Peking University said the policy also created opportunities for processed agricultural goods and emerging sectors such as green minerals and creative industries.
She noted that African exporters could benefit significantly if they met Chinese market standards and quality requirements.
Dr Rosemary Mnongya called for a shift from simply accessing markets to building competitive industrial capabilities, particularly for young people.
She cited Tanzania’s experience with special economic zones, where value addition had helped transform raw exports into higher-value products such as avocado oil.
Similarly, Dr Mikatekiso Kubaya emphasised the need for innovation and production expansion, urging African countries to reduce dependence on raw material exports.
He said stronger Africa-China cooperation could enhance the continent’s resilience and ability to withstand global economic shocks.
The experts noted that China had progressively expanded tariff-free access for African exports over the years, increasing from 95 percent in 2009 to 98 percent around 2021, and extending full zero-tariff treatment to 33 least developed African countries by 2024.
The latest policy now includes the remaining countries, many of which are more industrialised, bringing all eligible African nations into a comprehensive zero-tariff framework.
They concluded that while the policy offers immediate trade benefits, its real impact will depend on Africa’s ability to leverage the opportunity to industrialise, add value to exports and integrate into global production networks.
